Animal Welfare Monthly Highlights: September 2024LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: JOSPHAT NGONYO PASSING ON THE TORCH AT THE AFRICA NETWORK FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (ANAW)
An Ele Appreciating Jos' Work With a Hug
It is with immense honour that Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), is celebrating a remarkable journey of dedication, compassion, and impact by Josphat Ngonyo, the Founder and Executive Director of ANAW, who has decided to pass on the torch in his role as the Executive Director, after steering the organization since 3rd April 2006, to embark on a new chapter in his life. Indeed, it is with a mixture of gratitude and profound admiration that we will be bidding farewell by December 31, 2024, to a visionary leader who has transformed the landscape of animal welfare, wildlife, and environmental conservation in Africa and beyond. For 18 transformative years, Josphat, together with a team of dedicated staff, has been the driving force behind ANAW, shaping it into a powerhouse of advocacy and hands-on action for animal welfare across Africa. From its humble beginnings, Josphat has led ANAW's evolution into an internationally acclaimed organization, accredited to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as a Major Group and Stakeholder, and to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as an advisor with special consultative status. His strategic vision and dedication have fostered a network spanning 34 nations in Africa. Josphat's impact extends far beyond organizational achievements. He has been instrumental in pioneering hands-on experiential exchanges with students and practitioners from around the world, and engagement in policy, practice, and educational initiatives that have shaped the landscape of animal welfare and environmental conservation in Africa. His efforts in initiating the Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC), co-hosted with UNEP and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), and a regional animal welfare magazine have provided a platform for collaboration and innovation in addressing critical animal welfare, wildlife and environmental conservation, and sustainable development issues facing the continent of Africa. Moreover, Josphat's leadership has catalysed concrete actions in combating wildlife and environmental crimes in Kenya through initiatives like the National Judicial Dialogues, that engages 16 law enforcement agencies in the fight for justice and conservation. Josphat's commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. His two appointments by the Government of Kenya to the National Steering Committees, and one other as honorary warden, reflect his expertise and influence in shaping animal welfare and wildlife conservation policies and legislation. Among many other achievements, perhaps Josphat's greatest legacy lies in his advocacy for the involvement of Civil Society Organizations, to work with Governments across the globe in driving meaningful change at the intersection of animal welfare, environmental protection, and sustainable development. His unwavering dedication to this cause resonated globally, culminating in the realization of the Animal Welfare, Environment, and Sustainable Development Nexus Resolution at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). As we celebrate Josphat's extraordinary contributions, we also look to the future of ANAW that he envisioned and has worked passionately to achieve, even as he exits. With transition in his mind, in 2016, during ANAW’s 10th Anniversary, Josphat, believing in letting go and letting God, made a public announcement of stepping down in 3 years. That decision, however, rocked the boat as no one seemed prepared for the change then. He thus changed strategy and set on a journey to prepare a solid leadership team that could lead ANAW in his absence. Marking the 18th Anniversary earlier this year, he did acknowledge that ANAW had now come of age and could walk steadily and even achieve more, without him on the steering wheel. In his own words said with utter confidence: “My successor to be recruited through the Board, whether from within the organization or without, the organization is on a strong and stable foundation meant to last eternally.” Above all, in achieving all the above-mentioned milestones; Jos (as fondly referred to by staff and friends) deeply appreciates God, the diversified communities, ANAW being a hands-on organization works with on the ground, government representatives, all partners inter-governmental and non-governmental, the anonymous donor, all donors - corporate and individuals, friends and supporters, network partners across Africa and the ANAW staff team; without whom, what has been achieved would not have been possible. As Josphat prepares to move on, the Board of Directors of ANAW will be seeking a successor who will continue his legacy of compassion, passion, integrity, and leadership. Effectively, the Board has approved his leave starting the 1st of November 2024 and has appointed Josiah Ojwang', Director of Programs to Act as Executive Director, until a substantive Executive Director is recruited. Josphat will play a pivotal role in mentoring his successor, ensuring a seamless transition and the continuation of ANAW's vital work. ANAW together with the countless lives touched by Josphat's work (animal and human), do hereby wish him happiness and success in his future endeavours, and extend deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations. His legacy will surely endure as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. God bless Josphat; God bless you; God bless ANAW! 8th Africa Animal Welfare Conference - Action 2024
Delegates from Across the Globe Participate at the 8th Africa Animal Welfare Conference Docking in Nairobi from September 30 to October 2, the Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) ship held aboard a convening of the brightest of minds in animal welfare, conservation and sustainable development. In its 8th session, the AAWC was a powerhouse treasured for its studded erudite network of government officials, notable international agencies, eminent judges of the high court, youth activists, civil society representatives, veterinary leaders, conservation scientists, academicians, researchers, legal practitioners, environmental policy experts, compassionate philanthropists, and passionate advocates from Africa and the across the globe. Hosted by the Government of Kenya, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), the conference found its home at the United Nations Complex in Nairobi, Kenya in 2024. 856 delegates attended the conference; 238 physically and 618 virtually from 58 countries across the world. Amongst these, 54 delegates were member states representatives. 
The Conference Moderators Champion in Facilitating the Sessions of the 8th Africa Animal Welfare Conference-Action 2024 The theme, Partnership Actions to Improve Animal Welfare and Environmental Sustainability, drew in topical presentations and discussions on plant-based food systems, industrial animal agriculture, artificial intelligence for animal protection, regional animal welfare perspectives, innovations and emerging trends, cage free chicken campaigns, impact of oil extraction, donkey species preservation, emergency response, engagement of civil society in UNEP Major Groups and Stakeholders (MGS), nature-based solutions, animal welfare in development initiatives, live animals export, animal disaster management law, bird welfare and conservation, storytelling and conservation education to inspire empathy, organised wildlife trafficking, animal welfare policies, farmed fish welfare, and the AAWC evaluation report among other topics.  The conference presented an opportunity for delegates to interact with expert organizations on the fundamental nature of animal welfare for food security, healthy communities and biodiversity preservation. It was established that animal welfare was connected to the fifteen (15) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Taking precedence was the role the civil society played in animal welfare advocacy in Africa. A session was carried out bringing to focus animal welfare policy and adoption, aquatic animal welfare, challenges in animal welfare and advancing farmed fish welfare in Africa. The conference carries on the torch of embodying the theme as the Africa Animal Welfare Conference Impact Review revealed that 55% of respondents to the evaluation stated that they had formed new collaborations and further fostered trust with government. AAWC has strengthened advocacy and fostered development of new initiatives. Awareness of the proceedings of the conference was active on social media as many delegates posted photos and videos on the different social media platforms. At the end of the conference, draft resolutions were discussed and will thus be shared with all of us upon adoption by key stakeholders, at the earliest opportunity. The past seven (7) conferences took place twice in Nairobi, Kenya in 2017 and 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019, Accra, Ghana 2021, Gaborone, Botswana 2022, Kigali, Rwanda 2023 and in 2020 online during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Successful De-snaring Operation Carried Out to Protect Wildlife in Nakuru
The Team holding Retrieved Snares Working in collaboration with the Naivasha KWS station and scouts from various conservancies, ANAW conducted a four-day de-snaring exercise. The team on the rescue mission swept across the picturesque landscapes of Nakuru, including Marula Ranch, Lower Kari Farm, Manera Ranch, Korongo Ranch, Wileli Conservancy, Loldia Farm, and Olemorogi Ranch. In a remarkable effort, a total of 28 snares (10 live and 18 dead) were lifted, saving numerous animals from cruel misery. Sadly, the team came upon a gut-wrenching scene: a snared 1000 kg hippo enduring excruciating pain from a severed limb caused by poachers as it struggled to break free overnight. Tragically, the hippo succumbed to its death due to suffocation from struggling against the neck snare. ACEF Monitoring Program Supports Communities Through Education and Empowerment The ANAW team, in partnership with Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), in its mission to support the education of students living near wildlife habitat, facilitated the monitoring of six Africa Conservation Education Fund (ACEF) students sponsored by the organization. The team made visits to Kathiani Boys and St. Dominic Nguluni Secondary Schools in Machakos County, as well as Longonot Township Secondary, Lady Anne Delamere, and Echariria Secondary Schools in Nakuru County. This initiative ensures ongoing support and progress tracking for the students under the sponsorship program, reinforcing ANAW’s commitment to education and empowering the youth. Together, they hope to build a brighter future for people and animals, one student at a time. Conservation Efforts for Turtles Along the Msambweni and Funzi Coastlines Continues
Engaging Students and Community During International Coastal Clean-up Day The Msambweni Turtle and Marine Conservation Group (MTCG) has been tirelessly patrolling the coastline, keeping a vigilant eye on turtle activity and waste accumulation. While no new nests or hatchlings were recorded due to a slow nesting season, in Funzi Island, the Funzi Turtle Conservation Group safeguarded 19 nests, with two (2) new green turtle nests recorded in September. However, the patrols in Funzi are limited by a lack of manpower and resources. MTCG also organized monthly beach clean-ups, bringing together community members to reduce plastic waste and protect turtles. On September 21, they commemorated International Coastal Clean-up Day by involving stakeholders, the community, and KWS in an awareness-raising event. In addition to their conservation efforts, MTCG hosted an educational session on September 14 for Al Badru Integrated School, focusing on turtle conservation and waste management. The group also held meetings with local Beach Management Units and the ward MCA to strengthen collaborations and discuss ways the local administration can support their work. Training on Poultry: Mazuri Chicken and Egg Welfare Workshop
Dr Dennis Bahati (ANAW) Making a Presentation During the Training In a resourceful collaboration, ANAW and Partner Africa conducted a Mazuri Chicken and Egg Welfare Training where 14 farmers participated in the pilot assessments. At the heart of the training was drawing attention to the importance of animal welfare in poultry production, addressing key gaps identified during the assessments, including biosecurity, housing, spacing, proper handling procedures, and humane slaughter methods. This initiative aimed to improve the farmers' practices and promote ethical and sustainable poultry farming. The Southern Africa Cage-Free Conference 2024
Group Photo: Attendees at the Southern Africa Cage-Free Conference 2024 An incredible group of passionate advocates, industry leaders, and experts came together at the Southern Africa Cage-Free Chicken Conference 2024 dubbed, ‘Towards a Cage-free Continent’, in Windhoek, Namibia, with each participant playing a pivotal role in advancing humane and sustainable chicken farming practices across the region. The conference provided a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, sharing success stories, and discussing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the transition to cage-free farming. The conference supported by Centre for Effective Altruism saw two countries (Namibia and Mozambique) in the region present findings of the status of battery-cage systems in their countries, laws and policies governing chicken rearing as well as consumer perspectives on chicken products in the markets vis-à-vis their mode of rearing and production. Attendees focused on promoting higher welfare standards in poultry production, ensuring that both animal welfare and farmer livelihoods are prioritised. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, the event reinforced the commitment of key stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of cage-free policies and practices, paving the way for a more compassionate and sustainable future for chicken farming across Southern Africa.
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