Farm animal welfare in developing countries involves different contexts than in wealthy nations. Welfare improvements must address local realities of poverty, food security, and traditional practices.
Farm animal welfare in the Global South requires approaches tailored to specific contexts rather than direct transplantation of Western standards. Smallholder farmers with strong personal relationships with their animals often provide better individual attention than industrial systems, but may lack veterinary access, quality feed, or knowledge of pain management. The productivity-welfare alignment means animal welfare improvements often directly benefit farmer livelihoods — a powerful lever unavailable in disconnected Western welfare campaigns. Working equid welfare in developing countries is particularly acute — donkeys and horses critical to family income face overwork, poor nutrition, and limited veterinary care. Community veterinary outreach combined with welfare education has demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes for both animals and farmers.