Farm animal welfare is central to transforming how our food systems function. It focuses on improving how livestock are raised, cared for, and managed to ensure better health, reduced suffering, and more humane living conditions. Strengthening welfare is not only an ethical responsibility, it is essential for sustainable agriculture, food safety, and resilient rural livelihoods. Farm animals are deeply embedded in agricultural systems and community economies. The way they are housed, handled, and treated directly shapes both their well-being and the productivity of farming systems.

With greater awareness, practical action, and sustained commitment, current farming practices can evolve toward more humane, responsible, and efficient systems that benefit animals, farmers, and society as a whole. Building a better food system begins with improving the lives of the animals within it.

WELFARM Project (Dairy Animal Welfare Focus)

About

The WELFARM Project is a dairy animal welfare initiative implemented by Sneha Care, currently working toward the formulation of dairy animal welfare standards across all seven provinces of Nepal.

Dairy animals play a vital role in rural livelihoods, nutrition, and the national dairy sector. However, welfare practices across dairy farming systems remain inconsistent, with limited standardized guidance on housing, feeding, handling, and health management. These gaps directly affect both animal well-being and productivity.

Through field-based engagement, stakeholder consultations, and practical assessments, the WELFARM Project is actively contributing to the development of structured dairy animal welfare standards suited to Nepal’s local context. The process involves collaboration with farmers, veterinary professionals, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the standards are practical, evidence-based, and locally implementable.

The project also promotes awareness of the link between dairy animal welfare, milk quality, and sustainable livelihoods, supporting gradual improvements in both practice and policy development.

Objectives

• Support the formulation of dairy animal welfare standards across all seven provinces of Nepal
• Assess existing dairy farming practices to inform evidence-based standard development
• Engage farmers, veterinarians, and stakeholders in participatory consultation processes
• Promote humane and improved dairy animal management practices
• Strengthen the link between animal welfare, productivity, and sustainable dairy systems

Duration

2025 – 2026 (Ongoing)

Geographical Coverage

All seven provinces of Nepal

Financial Support

Open Philanthropy