By Lilian Nyakio
World governments should stop subsidising factory farms that fuel deforestation and climate change, and instead support sustainable farming practices.
This is according to a report released by World Animal Protection ahead of the 30th United Nations Conference of Parties on climate change (COP30), titled “Subsidising Factory Farm Harm”. It higlights how billions in public funds are flowing into industrial livestock systems that drive emissions, biodiversity loss, and animal cruelty, while leaving small-scale farmers behind.
According to the report, agriculture already accounts for up to 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it receives some of the largest government subsidies, second only to fossil fuels.
In Africa, significant portions of public agricultural budgets are directed toward input subsidies that primarily benefit large-scale or industrial producers. Smallholder farmers; who feed the majority of the continent’s population; often miss out on this support.
“We can’t keep pouring taxpayer money into food systems that are not fit for purpose,” said Kelly Dent, Director of External Engagement at World Animal Protection. “Factory farms pollute our climate, destroy biodiversity and put animals through immense suffering. The future is in fair farms, not factory farms.”
The report warns that if current trends continue, agriculture could produce 52% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Subsidised production of beef, soy for animal feed, and palm oil currently drives about 14% of global deforestation.
In Brazil, the beef sector alone receives an average of USD 3.1 billion in annual subsidies, nearly matching what it pays in taxes. In the European Union, redirecting half of the USD 88.5 billion given annually to factory farms could save an estimated 25 million megalitres of water and 19 million hectares of land every year.
Closer to home, Kenyan farms that integrate crops, bees, chickens, goats, and cattle have demonstrated that agroecological systems can be both profitable and sustainable; reducing chemical use and improving animal welfare.
World Animal Protection argues that a similar shift across Africa could make agriculture more inclusive and resilient, creating jobs, protecting biodiversity, and improving food security.
The organisation is urging African leaders attending COP30 to phase out agricultural subsidies that fund industrial livestock expansion; redirect public funds toward smallholder farmers and agroecological systems; integrate subsidy reform into national climate commitments (NDCs); and support farmers and workers through training and innovation as part of a just transition.
“Factory farms are driving deforestation, pollution, and cruelty,” said Sally Kahiu, External Affairs Lead at World Animal Protection. “It’s time African governments sto funding destruction and start investing in humane and sustainable farming systems that empower smallholder farmers, protect ecosystems, and strengthen food security.”
As COP30 approaches, the organisation is urging world leaders to align agricultural subsidy policies with global climate and biodiversity goals, ensuring that public finance supports sustainable, humane, and climate-friendly food systems.
