In an effort to assess the effects of battery cage and cage free chickens farming systems on the environment, animal welfare, and farm profitability, this research study has been conducted.
The findings were officially presented in May 2025 in Kigali at Solace Hotel during a stakeholder meeting, bringing together representatives from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the Rwanda Poultry Farmers Association, veterinarians, farmers, and other key actors across the poultry value chain.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Claire Hirwa D’Andre,the Mono-Gastric Program Coordinator at RAB including chickens at RAB, praised the research efforts led by RAWO (Rwanda Animal Welfare Organization).
This kind of research is crucial because it provides evidence-based insights that help us shape sustainable and ethical poultry farming practices in Rwanda.
she said.
The research, conducted over six months, involved visits to various poultry farms employing different systems, Focus Group discussion, interviews….etc It evaluated the impacts of those chickens farming in three major areas: environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and economic performance.
According to the findings, battery cage systems, which confine chickens in small enclosures, are often preferred by some farmers because they require less space and fewer workers, and they generally increase production per square meter. However, the study revealed significant downsides.
Chickens raised in cages suffer from limited movement, poor natural behavior expression, and stress-related complications,”
the lead researcher from RAWO explained.
Additionally, such systems contribute more to environmental degradation, especially due to poor waste management and high concentrations of ammonia.”
On the other hand, cage-free systems, although more demanding in terms of space and management, were found to promote better chicken welfare and lower environmental impact. In some cases, the cage-free farms also recorded higher long-term profitability, largely due to increased consumer demand for ethically raised poultry and lower mortality rates.
The session concluded with a call to action from stakeholders, emphasizing the need to balance productivity with sustainability and animal well-being. Many participants advocated for increased awareness, farmer training, and policy guidance to promote humane and eco-friendly poultry farming systems in Rwanda.
RAWO was commended for spearheading the study and facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms aimed at improving Rwanda’s poultry sector in line with national and global animal welfare goals.
ND
