Balancing Inclusivity With An Animal-Oriented Mission
The U.S. farmed animal protection movement has long dealt with a lack of representation of Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). In this qualitative study, Faunalytics will partner with Dr. Ahmmad Brown to interview BIPOC animal advocates and non-advocates to understand their perspectives on inclusivity in the animal protection movement. We will present the inclusivity solutions that BIPOC participants proposed to non-BIPOC leadership in the movement and ask them about what it would take to implement these strategies within their organization. By working with both BIPOC and non-BIPOC individuals, we aim to build a shared understanding of what it means to be an inclusive movement and how to get there.
Chicken and Fish Substitution Meta-Analysis
Substitution of one animal product for another is always an undesirable outcome for reduction campaigns, but poses a particular problem when a smaller-bodied animal is substituted for a larger one, because of the larger impact in animal lives. For this research, we will conduct a meta-analysis (an analysis of previously published data) to examine whether there is evidence of a substitution effect across many intervention studies. More specifically–although we will look for substitution across all products–we are most interested in whether the consumption of fish and chicken products increases when the consumption of cow and pig products decrease. If there is evidence of substitution effects, we will also use the available evidence to suggest characteristics of interventions that caused it, and suggest how advocates may be able to avoid them in their campaigns.
This project is made possible thanks to generous funding from the Centre for Effective Altruism and an anonymous donor.
Voter Response To A Pro-Animal/Anti-Subsidy Candidate
Elected officials have the power to institute policies that can benefit huge numbers of animals. However, many politicians may be hesitant to talk about issues that affect animals for fear of electoral blowback. Among the most pressing political problems for animal advocates is the use of government subsidies to support the animal agriculture industry. In collaboration with Dr. Sparsha Saha, we will use an experimental design to test how political candidates can discuss pro-animal stances, like cutting or reallocating animal agriculture subsidies, in ways that appeal to voters in the U.S. and Brazil. The results will provide candidates and their campaigns with invaluable information aimed at helping them feel more able to put animals on the political agenda.
How International Organizations Affect Factory Farming In Low- and Middle-Income Countries
We will investigate the various ways that the policies of international organizations such as the World Bank and World Trade Organization affect the proliferation of factory farming in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Results will focus on the goals of international development organizations, the impacts on LMICs, the role governments in LMICs play, and the potential for alternative policy approaches. This research project aims to provide foundational information that can help animal advocates limit the spread of industrial animal agriculture around the world.
Public Perceptions Of Standard U.S. Farming Practices
Legal advocates in the U.S. use litigation to create positive change for farmed animals by challenging companies on animal abuse. Some states have anti-cruelty laws that permit "commonly accepted" practices, often allowing factory farms to escape penalties. However, if the public finds these practices unacceptable, they can be legally contested. While data exists on the acceptability of eating animals, there's a lack of current information on the acceptability of standard farming practices. Understanding public perception of these practices could aid legal advocates in arguing against cruel "common" practices. Therefore, a poll will be conducted among U.S. adults to assess their views, which could inform legal strategies to reduce farmed animal abuse.
Contextual Advocacy For Food Systems In The Global South
This exploratory study forms the first stage of a broader project to improve the cultural and strategic alignment of animal advocacy efforts across the Global South. Advocacy aimed at food system transformation often relies on global narratives around climate change, sustainability, farmed animal welfare, and health, which may not resonate with local contexts. This research seeks to bridge the gap by developing a practical framework that helps advocates and funders identify and integrate key contextual factors into campaign design. The project will begin with India as a pilot site, with potential for future replication in other countries.
