Status of battery cage farming in Kenya
An assessment by the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) on the adoption of battery cages as a means of poultry production in Kenya revealed that their use is increasingly gaining popularity among small-scale peri-urban and urban farmers. The system was shown to have been adopted within close to half of the counties within Kenya with the target market being the urban populace. Despite the low adoption of the cage system with a majority of the poultry being raised under free-range, 41.26% of respondents indicated that a few elite farmers had already incorporated the use of battery cages further suggesting that the system is rapidly gaining popularity among other farmers. Key counties identified to have adopted the use of battery cages include Migori, Bungoma, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, Isiolo, Busia, Kericho, TransNzoia, Kirinyaga, Embu, Bomet, Kiambu, Nyamira, Laikipia, Tana River, Kisii, Nakuru, Taita-Taveta, Meru, Homa Bay, Muranga, Machakos, Narok, Lamu, Kisumu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Marsabit. It was identified that cognizance on poultry welfare issues associated with use of battery cages was low among farmers as well as businesspeople involved in the importation, sale, and supply of the cages.
70.49% of county officials indicated that most battery cage suppliers and farmers are keen on profits and view animal welfare as a foreign concept.
Consumer behavior especially their attitudes and preferences that affect buying behavior of products derived from poultry raised in battery cages was noted to be a less contributing factor as a criterion for purchase. 84.12% of county officials believe that consumers of poultry products raised under battery cage systems are not interested in the means of production nor the compromised welfare state of the birds. Consumers consider factors that include size, fat content, presentation of chicken, meat, and color of eggs. Consumers were mentioned to be ignorant of the origin of the products, the type of management system used to rear the birds, irresponsible use of antibiotics and growth promoters, the means of transportation used to deliver them to the market and general food safety.
Finally, poultry welfare is not well articulated nor appreciated among consumers who are more fascinated by the end product rather than the means of production utilized.
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