Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Welfare: Global South Challenges and Opportunities

Pig welfare improvement in lower-income countries requires context-specific approaches that acknowledge different constraints.

Key Facts

Over half of global pig production is in China and Southeast Asia with limited welfare regulation
Smallholder pig farming supports millions of livelihoods while presenting distinct welfare challenges
International NGOs including GAP and FOUR PAWS are developing context-specific welfare programmes
Trade agreements can include welfare standards that raise baseline conditions in exporting countries

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare improvement in the Global South requires approaches adapted to local context, economics, and culture. Direct translation of European standards to subsistence farming contexts is neither feasible nor appropriate. Context-specific welfare improvement programmes that deliver benefits within local constraints are more effective and sustainable.

What You Can Do

Support organisations developing context-specific pig welfare programmes for lower-income countries
Advocate for welfare standards inclusion in trade agreements without imposing inappropriate standards
Donate to Global Food Partnership and similar organisations building welfare capacity globally