Farm Animal Welfare in Developing Countries

Farm animal welfare in low- and middle-income countries presents different challenges and opportunities than in high-income settings, requiring context-appropriate approaches.

Key Facts

Approximately 70% of global livestock are in developing countries, where welfare standards are generally lower
Smallholder farmers often depend on individual animals for livelihoods — welfare and economic survival are linked
Traditional slaughter methods without stunning are more prevalent in regions with limited infrastructure
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has developed global animal welfare standards
Welfare improvements in developing countries often align with productivity gains, creating economic incentives

Welfare Considerations

Farm animal welfare in developing countries requires approaches that acknowledge different economic realities, cultural contexts and infrastructure constraints. Imposing high-income country welfare standards without context is both impractical and culturally inappropriate. The most effective interventions identify welfare improvements that also provide economic benefits — healthier livestock, reduced mortality, improved productivity. Community-based approaches that work with farmers rather than imposing external standards have greater uptake and sustainability. International development programs that include animal welfare as a core component of livestock development achieve better welfare outcomes than those that treat animal welfare as a luxury add-on.

What You Can Do

Support development organisations that integrate animal welfare into livestock development programs
Donate to organisations like the Brooke Trust and SPANA working on working animal welfare in LMICs
Advocate for WOAH welfare standards to be incorporated into international trade agreements
Learn about welfare challenges specific to smallholder livestock farmers in different regions