Farmed Animal Welfare in the Global South

Farm animal welfare standards in developing countries often lag behind high-income markets. Supporting welfare improvement in these regions affects the greatest numbers of animals.

Key Facts

Over 80% of the worlds livestock are in low and middle income countries where welfare regulations are often absent
Smallholder farmers often have strong animal-keeping traditions but lack access to welfare knowledge and veterinary services
International trade pressure and supply chain requirements can drive welfare improvement in export-oriented livestock sectors
Local welfare organization capacity in many developing countries is very limited requiring international support

Welfare Considerations

Global farm animal welfare improvement requires significant attention to low and middle income country contexts where most of the worlds livestock live. Approaches that work in high-income regulatory contexts may not translate directly. Supporting local welfare organization capacity, integrating welfare into agricultural development programs, and using supply chain requirements to raise standards in export sectors are among the most impactful pathways for improving welfare where animal numbers are greatest.

What You Can Do

Support international animal welfare organizations working on welfare improvement in low and middle income countries
Advocate for international development programs to include farm animal welfare as a health and food security component
Choose products from supply chains with welfare requirements extending to all origins including developing countries
Donate to local animal welfare organizations in developing countries building regulatory and capacity infrastructure