Engaging Academics to Counter the Growth of Factory Farming in Africa

Engaging Academics to Counter the Growth of Factory Farming in Africa

Few, if any, comprehensive efforts are underway in sub-Saharan Africa to challenge a factory farm–centric model of agricultural development; to promote sustainable food systems; and to address both excessive consumption of animal-based diets and the under-consumption of sustainable and nutritious diets. At the same time, in many African countries, factory farming is expanding and meat and dairy consumption are rising. Most African governments see large-scale animal agriculture as a net good for their economies and food supply, and as a potential avenue for export-led trade. This view is supported by industrialized-country foreign policies, aid and capacity-development policies, and multinational and domestic agribusinesses, as well as economic elites.

Through funding from a Fueling Advocates Initiative (FAI) Grant from the Tiny Beam Fund, Brighter Green engaged in a project from September 2020 through August 2021 to develop and implement an initiative to counter the growth of factory farming and advance sustainable food systems discourse and action in  sub-Saharan African countries and in relevant Africa-wide policy processes.

Throughout the course of this project, we compiled existing, relevant research, identified research gaps and develop an agenda for further research; and hosted an online consultation in partnership with the University of Western Cape on May 20th, 2021 to review existing research, identify a forward-looking research agenda, and strategize about ways for academics to become more engaged in policy debates and deliberations on factory farming.

Below are the final report and supplemental materials from the FAI grant.

If you would like to receive an audio or video recording of the May 20th, 2021 webinar, The Impacts of Industrial Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, please email info@brightergreen.org with “Africa and Factory Farming” in the subject line.