Hundreds of millions of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa are kept in smallholder systems facing unique welfare challenges including disease, drought stress, and limited veterinary access.
Smallholder cattle in Africa experience significant welfare challenges that differ markedly from industrialized systems. Chronic disease burden, seasonal nutritional stress, and the physical demands of draft work all cause ongoing suffering. However, cattle are central to smallholder livelihoods, and welfare improvements must be economically viable for farmers. Effective interventions combine disease prevention (vaccination, tick control), nutrition supplementation, and veterinary training for local animal health workers who can reach remote communities.