2016 ICT4D Conference

In Africa, animal welfare is not a stand-alone issue; it is linked to the achievement of human livelihood priorities, improved food security, increased community resilience, and poverty eradication. The Animal Protection Index (API) platform establishes a classification of 50 countries around the world according to their commitments to protect animals and improve animal welfare in policy and legislation. The World Animal Protection conducted comprehensive country assessments based on the following indicator areas - recognizing animal protection; providing humane education; governance structures and systems; promoting communication and awareness, and; animal welfare standards. The tool is intended to assess policy and so contribute to the inclusion of animal welfare in the global agenda. In addition, the API will leverage key stakeholders to influence countries to improve animal welfare performance, and measure improvements in animal welfare policy over time. The API is part of a broader agenda by the World Animal Protection aimed at mainstreaming animal welfare globally and securing a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. Momentum for animal protection has gained significant traction, following declarations around the Sustainable Development Goals on its importance in the agriculture, disaster, diseases, and wildlife contexts.