The East African animal nutrition industry will meet at the AKEFEMA Feeds Exhibition and Conference in Nairobi from July 16-18, 2024, organized by the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA). The industry representatives are inviting the experts to share knowledge for an innovative, resilient feed industry.
The Eastern Africa region, comprising of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and most recently DR Congo has been experiencing an increase in population growth. The population is estimated at 300 million in 2023 and it is projected to double by 20501. With an annual population growth rate of 3%, the demand for animal protein: egg, milk and meat, is increasing annually. The region has a livestock population of over 550 million (66% Ruminant and 34% Non-Ruminant)2, but each country experiences feed deficit. The case for Kenya having a 60% feed deficit according to the Kenya ministry of Livestock reports3. Remote Livestock husbandry practices, issues of animal breed quality and the triple animal feed concerns (availability, quality and cost) continues to affect the performance of the livestock sector in the eastern Africa region.
To meet the demand for both animal protein for human food and animal feed, the region needs to employ new strategies in the sector. According to the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA), innovative science and technology, though not the only solutions, can be used to contribute to finding sustainable agricultural solutions. Good practices from other regions of the world can be shared to contribute to address the food and feed concern frequently experienced in the region, states the association.
The animal feed industry in the region is experiencing three main challenges namely: Access of raw materials, high price and low quality feeds (also feed loss). The triple challenges are compounded by challenges related to regulatory compliance and the adoption of new technologies and practices. AKEFEMA explains that the high cost of commercial livestock feed, poor breed performance, the unfriendly business environment for trade in livestock feed, and the weak regulatory environment continues to affect the availability, affordability, and utilization of quality commercial feeds to grow the livestock value chains.
In light of the above, AKEFEMA and its partners in the region are organizing AKEFEMA Feeds Exhibition and Conference in Nairobi (AFEC-NAIROBI, 2024) from July 16-18 to facilitate livestock industry knowledge sharing. The organizers are inviting industry experts and practitioners to share their knowledge and experiences to support the livestock industry in the region to be innovative and develop resilience to survive in the ever-changing feed industry landscape.
Theme of the event was announced as “Resilience and innovation in an ever-changing feed industry landscape” for enhanced food security in the region.
AKEFEMA explains that the objectives of the conference are:
• Sharing knowledge on trends and emerging issues in the feed industry
• Explore best practices in sustainable industry management and productivity
• Exposing industry players and stakeholders to growth opportunities in the industry
• Discussing affordable nutrition solutions to improve animal productivity in a healthy and sustainable way.
• Enhance response to the needs of farmers and other products’ users
• Explore the technological and scientific advancements in feed production and farming
Sub-Themes/Areas
The technical presentation will focus on two broad species: Monogastrics and Ruminants that will be feature in the following subtopics:
• Animal nutrition & health: (feed formulation, energy, proteins, enzymes, etc)
• Innovation and technology in feed and feeding
• Genetics
• Feed procession and industry sustainability.
• Animal welfare
• Machinery: feeds production and farming equipment
• Financial vehicles and opportunities in the markets
• Sustainable business environment: (legal and climate change issues)
• Regional feed market access
CONFERENCE MODE
The Conference mode will be both plenary and workshops. Each day there will be key presentations in plenary during the first session in the morning, then concurrent workshops will follow and the last session in the afternoon will be in closing plenary and celebration of 20 years work of AKEFEMA. The Conference will be conducted in English.
PARTICIPATION
The Conference targets 500 participants in the animal feed value chains. Feed millers, farmers, raw materials and additive supplier, equipment and service providers including regulators, government departments, universities, and other institutions affiliated with the industry.
1https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/eastern-africa-population/
2https://icpald.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/EALFFS.pdf
3https://www.au-ibar.org/au-ibar-news/press-release-addressing-kenyas-feed-and-fodder-challenges-strategies-food-and
