Aurelia Adhiambo
Curious and complex, octopuses remind us they are no commodity. A wave of action is making sure farming never takes hold.
Years ago, I attended a festival with an unusual, carnival-style offering; in one area, you could pay a few dollars to throw tomatoes at the face of a person shouting insults at you. The heckler would ridicule the patron for their looks or mannerisms as the patron launched tomatoes with hopes of hitting the heckler square in the face. At the time, I thought the urge to hurl objects at antagonists was uniquely human. But I recently learned it’s not a desire limited to our species.
RWANDA SETS A CAGE-FREE EXAMPLE
The Rwanda Animal Welfare Organization (RAWO), part of the Open Wing Alliance (OWA), has achieved a breakthrough. Thanks to their persistence, Marriott Hotel Kigali and Four Points by Sheraton Kigali have committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs from pioneering local supplier Abusol Limited. Two global giants, one local farm, and a promise delivered: hens in Rwanda will no longer be confined to cages.
When justice becomes the treatment plan
Jean Claude puts it simply: “If you can’t drink the water yourself, don’t give it to your animals.” It reframes care to farmers as a shared experience—and turns policy talk into human connection.
Local change makes global impact
This wasn’t a quick win or a simple change in supply chain. For more than a year, RAWO worked alongside Abusol Limited, supporting the farm’s transition to a fully cage-free approach. This involved not just technical changes, but building trust and engagement with leaders in Rwanda’s hospitality industry—demonstrating that ethical choices are not only possible, but powerful.
By connecting local producers and international brands, RAWO has shown how animal advocacy, ethical business, and progressive corporate responsibility can unite to change lives. Animal and human alike. It’s a clear example of Africa-led progress, driven by ingenuity and collaboration.
Why it matters—for Rwanda, for Africa, for animals
Every cage-free promise is a step towards a world where animals are treated as living, feeling beings—not commodities. When hotels as prominent as Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton make the switch, it sends a message: humanity and hospitality are better together. It shows that with enough persistence and partnership, we can create a future where animals are no longer hidden away in suffering.
Jean Claude and the RAWO team’s achievement is more than a local milestone. It’s a demonstration of what’s possible when supporters, advocates, and businesses unite to create meaningful change. Their work inspires others across Africa to take action—reminding us all that our choices, big or small, can spark lasting transformation.
Looking ahead: Your role in the movement
Change like this doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes persistent, creative people—people like you—who believe that a kinder food system is possible. Every conversation, every show of support, every step towards transparency adds up.
As progress continues across Africa and beyond, we invite you to celebrate this win with us—and to keep using your voice for animals. Together, we’re building a world where compassion is the norm, not the exception.
