Campaigners have urged Malawians to embrace animal welfare.
National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) Advocacy Officer, Clement Makuwa made the call in Lilongwe on the sidelines of a training workshop for journalists on cage free campaign and relevant animal welfare issues.
In 2022, NYNCC carried out an analysis of the status of caged chicken farming and consumer
perception study in Malawi, which according to Makuwa, it was established that Malawians do not promote or safeguard the welfare of animals.
As one way of addressing the malpractice, Mukuwa said their organization is puting in placce necessary measures in place to ensure that the masses both in rural and urban setup are aware of the same.
In his remarks, Director of animal and livestock development at the Ministry of Agriculture Julius Chulu said lack of popularization of some legislations and policies is contributing to the malpractices.
Livestock industry in Malawi contributes significantly to the National Economy (rural livelihoods, income at household level, intergrated farming with crops, food and nutritional security) contributes about 11% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 36% to the value of total agricultural products.
“These values could be undervalued but are currently indicative, with trends showing increased livestock numbers and products. Both global and local drivers challenges Malawi to utilize her full potential in improving livestock production and productivity
Currently livestock value is estimated at K1.5 trillion,” he said
The National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) with financial support from Open Wing
Alliance (OWA) is implementing a project aimed at ensuring that animal welfare are promoted
and safeguarded.
