Partnerships and Collaborations
The Universal Student Animal Welfare Influencer (USAWI) program thrives on strategic partnerships with academic institutions, veterinary bodies, and international animal welfare organizations. These partnerships empower students to learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience in animal welfare advocacy, sustainability, and veterinary practices. USAWI also works closely with governmental agencies to establish strong ethical frameworks that support humane treatment of animals globally.
Collaborations with Institutions
USAWI partners with local universities and veterinary colleges to expand educational outreach, offering students practical internships and research opportunities within the field of animal welfare. There are current partnerships with the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Sokoine University, Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, and the College of Sustainable Agriculture for Eastern Africa are key academic institutions collaborating in the initial phases of the program.
International Animal Welfare Organizations
The program collaborates with global organizations such as animal protection agencies to promote and advocate for ethical animal treatment across various sectors.
Key Partners & Strategic Collaboration
The USAWI program is supported by a diverse network of partners including Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization - KALRO, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Baringo, Nakuru, Embu, Nairobi, Machakos, Uasin Gishu and Nyandarua County Governments, The National Government of Kenya, One Acre Fund, Latia Agripreneurship Institute, Davis & Shirtliff, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP), International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Bread for the World (USA), African Development Bank (AfDB), Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Embassy of Israel, and Elgon Kenya Ltd. These partners bring their expertise and resources to advance animal welfare practices globally, supporting students through knowledge-sharing, internships, and advocacy projects.
Cross-Program Collaborations within INAPS
USAWI benefits from a robust ecosystem of internal collaborations within INAPS. By connecting with other initiatives such as TEJATI, YRP, “Youth in
Agribusiness-as-Ward-Extension Agents [YAWEAs Initiative 2019-2020, and the INAPS Leadership Development Program (ILDP), the program fosters interdisciplinary approaches that enrich student experiences and expand their impact. These collaborations allow for the sharing of resources, mentorship opportunities, and joint project development across sectors, enhancing both animal welfare practices and sustainable agriculture innovations. This interconnected approach ensures that students not only gain specialized knowledge but also develop skills applicable across a variety of sectors within the agricultural value chain.
Research and Development
Progressively within it's partner organizations & institutions research and development departments, the USAWI program emphasizes rigorous research and development to advance the field of animal welfare. By collaborating with academic institutions, students engage in cutting-edge research projects that explore sustainable livestock practices, animal ethics, and innovative technologies for improving welfare standards. These research efforts aim to contribute to policy changes, create educational resources, and develop new tools that enhance animal welfare practices globally.
Through R&D, USAWI ensures that students not only learn best practices but also contribute to the evolving body of knowledge in the field, shaping the future of animal care and agricultural sustainability.