AKEFEMA to host groundbreaking feeds exhibition and conference in Nairobi
KENYA – The Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA) is set to host the First AKEFEMA Feeds Exhibition and Conference at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 17th to 18th, 2024.
This landmark event addresses the pressing challenges facing the animal feed industry in the Eastern Africa region, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the recently joined DR Congo.
The Eastern Africa region is witnessing significant population growth, with an estimated 300 million people in 2023 and projections suggesting a doubling by 2050.
This rapid increase in population drives a rising demand for animal protein—eggs, milk, and meat. Despite having a livestock population of over 550 million, the region grapples with a substantial feed deficit.
According to the Ministry of Livestock, the deficit in Kenya alone stands at 60%. Outdated livestock husbandry practices, poor animal breed quality, and persistent challenges of feed availability, quality, and cost compound this shortfall.
According to Mr. Paul Kamau, the CEO of AKEFEMA, the conference seeks to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry experts and practitioners in response to these pressing issues.
The conference theme, “Resilience and Innovation in an Ever-Changing Feed Industry Landscape,” will guide discussions on addressing the animal feed industry’s key challenges.
These include access to raw materials, high prices, low feed quality, regulatory compliance, and adopting new technologies and practices.
The event will also celebrate AKEFEMA’s 20 years of dedicated work in the industry. More than 20 exhibitors, including household names like Buhler, ADM, and Cargill, and delegates from across the continent will gather to deliberate on critical topics pertinent to the feed industry.
Comprehensive agenda
The conference’s objectives are multifaceted and attendees will gain insights into emerging trends and issues in the feeds industry, explore best practices in sustainable industry management and productivity, and discover growth opportunities.
The conference will also focus on affordable nutrition solutions to improve animal productivity healthily and sustainably, addressing the needs of farmers and other end users.
Technological and scientific advancements in feed production and farming will be a key highlight, alongside discussions on animal nutrition and health, genetics, feed processing, and industry sustainability.
Sub-themes of the conference will cover a broad spectrum, including animal nutrition and health (feed formulation, energy, proteins, enzymes), innovation and technology in feeds and feeding, genetics, feed processing and industry sustainability, animal welfare, machinery for feed production and farming equipment, financial opportunities in the market, a sustainable business environment (legal and climate change issues), and regional feed market access.
By bringing together industry stakeholders, AKEFEMA aims to build resilience and foster innovation in the feed industry, ultimately enhancing regional food security.
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