Last Updated on August 20, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
The International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) has commenced its Two-Day Hybrid Africa Regional Conference at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with a call for greater integration of animal behaviour and welfare science into Africa’s agricultural development.
The conference, themed “Behaviour to Welfare: Driving Innovative and Inclusive Animal Ethology in Africa,” began today, August 18, 2026, at the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET) Auditorium, bringing together researchers, Academics, policymakers, industry stakeholders, Animal Scientists and students from Africa and beyond, both physically and virtually.
The conference provided a platform for participants to examine emerging issues in animal behaviour, welfare and applied ethology, with a focus on improving animal management practices and promoting sustainable animal production across the continent.
In his Opening Remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, described the hosting of the conference as an honour for FUNAAB. Prof. Kehinde said the theme was timely, noting that advancements in animal behaviour and welfare science were critical to addressing Africa’s agricultural and food-security challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that Africa must strengthen its food systems, expand its livestock and agricultural sectors, and respond effectively to the growing demand for animal-source foods, adding that animal behaviour and welfare science remained central to achieving sustainable, humane and productive agricultural development.
According to him, the subject aligned closely with FUNAAB’s mandate and its motto, “Knowledge for Development,” stressing that applied ethology was not merely an academic discipline but a science with direct implications for how animals are bred, housed, transported, managed and cared for.
Prof. Kehinde noted that improved understanding of animal behaviour and welfare would contribute significantly to the sustainability of farming systems, livelihoods, economies and food security across Africa. He commended the ISAE Nigeria Local Organising Committee, the ISAE National Secretariat for Africa, and the entire organising committee for their vision, commitment, and diligence in bringing the conference to Abeokuta.
He urged participants to use the conference to forge new collaborations across institutions and national borders, noting that modern technology had made it possible for scholars from different parts of the world to overcome geographical barriers and share knowledge seamlessly.
Welcoming delegates, the Regional Secretary, Africa and West Asia, Dr. Oluwaseun Ojelade, expressed delight at the participation of researchers, !Academics, students and other stakeholders from different parts of Africa and beyond.
Dr. Ojelade said Africa’s growing animal production sector required approaches that placed animal welfare at the centre of development, while remaining scientifically sound, practical, inclusive and responsive to the continent’s realities. “As Africa continues to develop its animal production systems, research, policies and practices, we must ensure that the welfare of animals remains an integral part of this progress,” she stated.
She commended participants for attending the conference and urged them to actively engage in the sessions, share experiences, ask questions and explore opportunities for collaboration. The Regional Secretary challenged participants to look beyond discussions and consider practical actions they could take in their institutions, farms, laboratories, communities and policy spaces to advance animal welfare.
Meanwhile, the conference continues tomorrow with scientific presentations, keynote contributions, panel discussions and special sessions designed to promote knowledge exchange, challenge existing perspectives and foster meaningful collaborations among stakeholders in animal ethology and welfare.
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