Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare in Low-Income Countries: Backyard Flocks

Backyard and village poultry kept by smallholders in low-income countries face distinct welfare challenges and opportunities compared to commercial systems.

Key Facts

Over 80% of poultry in low-income countries are kept as backyard or village flocks
Backyard poultry provide food security and income for over 1 billion people globally
Welfare challenges include disease exposure, predation, and lack of veterinary access
Community-based health programmes and appropriate technology transfer can improve welfare and productivity simultaneously

Welfare Considerations

Backyard poultry welfare in low-income countries is inseparable from livelihoods and food security. Approaches that improve welfare must be affordable, locally appropriate, and demonstrably beneficial to producers as well as birds. Top-down regulation is rarely effective in these contexts.

What You Can Do

Support organisations working on community-based livestock welfare programmes in low-income countries
Engage with international development frameworks that include animal welfare dimensions
Advocate for appropriate technology transfer that improves backyard poultry welfare and productivity simultaneously