Poverty

The intensification of livestock production, largely reliant on low welfare conditions, has a distinct, negative impact on smallholder producers, employment options in the rural economy, and poverty.

In 2016, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) confirmed that “intensive agricultural systems are associated with negative effects on employment, wealth distribution, ancillary economic activity in rural areas and service provision in rural areas”. The World Bank went one step further and noted that the intensification of livestock production brings “a significant danger that the poor are being crowded out”.

Animals provide food security, livelihoods and poverty alleviation for the poor. Enhancing the welfare of animals (through better veterinary care, feed, shelter, etc.) will enhance their value, productivity, health and lifespans.