Tracking Cage-Free Commitments In Africa
Egg-laying hens in conventional factory farms undergo intense forms of confinement. Hens who are squeezed into cages with less space per chicken than a regular sheet of paper are exposed to extreme stress. This confinement prevents them from meeting even their basic instincts, such as dustbathing or flapping their wings.
As more and more people have condemned this practice, a cage-free movement has emerged and gained popularity around the world. Today, many companies are working to phase out cages for layer hens.
The African economy is growing quickly, meaning it is crucial to address the welfare of the hundreds of millions of chickens in battery cage farms across the continent. In this report, Africa-based members of the Open Wing Alliance (OWA) analyzed the largest food companies in Africa to determine their progress toward becoming cage-free (including international brands with a presence in Africa as well as African multinational businesses).
According to the report, over 80 companies have pledged to fully eliminate layer hen cages. In total, 86% of global companies operating in Africa have cage-free commitments, while only 30% of African multinational companies have pledged. 66% of the companies with commitments have reported on their progress or met their promised goal, while the rest are not reporting.
One of the positive highlights of the report is Famous Brands, a leading African franchisor of quick service and casual dining restaurants. According to its own reporting, Famous Brands has fulfilled its target of eliminating cage-farmed eggs and egg products by 2025, three years ahead of schedule.
Not all companies have joined the cage-free movement. Therefore, the OWA is campaigning to urge companies without pledges to commit to a cage-free policy. Both Pick N Pay and Shoprite Checkers, the two largest retailers in South Africa, have refused to pledge despite pressure from the OWA. Additionally, many other international companies, such as the fast-food chains Subway, Domino’s and McDonald’s, show no willingness for cage-free commitments in Africa. Some companies including Ferrero and Nestlé have made global commitments but are not reporting their progress in Africa.
The cage-free movement is gaining momentum in Africa. Though many companies have committed to eliminate cage-farming, African multinational brands are lagging behind international companies concerning cage-free commitments. Advocates should consider educating the public about the importance of supporting brands that prioritize animal welfare, thus putting pressure on other companies to improve layer hen living conditions in their supply chain.