World Animal Protection, an organisation dedicated to animal welfare, has expressed its support for the G7 Summit Presidency’s Apulia Food Systems Initiative. The initiative aims to prioritise food security and sustainable food systems in Africa, and World Animal Protection believes this is an opportunity to boost the African agricultural sector by supporting smallholder farmers, who play a crucial role in the continent’s farming economy.
According to the World Animal Protection, the initiative aligns with the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action signed by 159 countries at COP28, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing the food and climate Nexus.
“We are encouraged that policymakers are increasingly recognizing the need for food systems transformation to combat climate change effectively in this critical decade. As temperatures rise and ecosystems falter, both animals and humans face increasingly dire consequences.
“Smallholder farmers and their communities are on the frontlines of food production and are profoundly affected by the impacts of climate change, which exacerbates food insecurity. Therefore, while we celebrate this positive move, it is imperative that the Apulia Initiative is implemented with inclusivity and accountability at its core.
Previous initiatives with similar intentions have fallen short, often leaving those they intended to help without tangible benefits. It is crucial that smallholder farmers are central to this initiative to ensure it addresses their needs and challenges effectively,” the organisation noted.
Tennyson Williams, the Director for Africa, at the World Society for the Protection of Animals, remarked that the food crises in Africa must be addressed in tandem with the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. These interconnected issues, he explained, demand a coherent strategy that prioritises sustainable agricultural practices and the preservation of natural ecosystems.
“By integrating climate resilience, animal welfare, and biodiversity conservation into food security initiatives, we can create a food system that not only nourishes populations but also safeguards the environment for future generations.
“It is essential to adopt a holistic approach that supports agroecological methods, enhances ecosystem services, and mitigates the impacts of climate change, ensuring a thriving and resilient food system for Africa and the world,” he added.
Echoing these sentiments Kelly Dent the global director of external engagement,said:
“The G7 must demonstrate the political will to address food system transformation and climate change, particularly as we approach COP30 in Brazil—a nation where the footprint of industrial animal agriculture has caused massive devastation. It is imperative that the G7 sets an example by committing to sustainable and equitable food systems, showing global leadership in tackling these critical issues.
The Apulia initiative in Africa must therefore prioritize transforming livestock production to reduce industrialization and antimicrobial use, to achieve a more sustainable and equitable food system, increasing access to diverse, nutrient-rich diets and build food justice and resilience for smallholder farmers.”
It is believed that the Apulia Initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on food security and sustainable agriculture in Africa. World Animal Protection reiterated its readiness to support this initiative and work collaboratively with the G7 Summit, African governments, African Civil Society Organisations, and other stakeholders to achieve these shared goals.
