Public Lectures and Online webinar
International Collaboration and One Welfare Approach
The Office of the Director for Research Affairs, in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine, hosted events on January 20-21, 2025, focusing on animal welfare and international collaborations.
The public lectures titled “Using a One Welfare Framework to Improve Working Equid Welfare” was delivered by Dr. Emily Haddy, Senior Research Associate at the University of Portsmouth, UK. Dr. Haddy’s presentation focused on the application of the One Welfare framework to improve the working equid welfare. This framework recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being, emphasizing that improvements in one area can positively impact others.
The lecture covered a range of topics, including:
- The challenges faced by working equid in developing countries, such as inappropriate harness, lack of shelter, feed shortage, diseases, and overwork.
- The importance of considering the socio-economic context of working equid owners and the impact of interventions on their livelihoods.
- The use of theater in raising community awareness about the role of equines and addressing their welfare issues.
- The role of community engagement and participatory research in developing sustainable and effective solutions to improve working equid welfare.
- Case studies and examples of successful One Welfare interventions implemented in different parts of the world particularly Kenya.
The next day (January 21, 2025), an online webinar titled “Building Futures: Exploring Collaborative Pathways Between Portsmouth and Haramaya Universities” was conducted. The webinar was presented by Dr. Leanne Proops, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Portsmouth, UK, and by Ruth Walton who is part of the Global team for Africa and America at the University of Portsmouth, UK.
Dr. Proops’s presentation focused on fostering academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. She explored potential areas of joint research, such as animal welfare, One Health approaches, and sustainable livestock production. Ruth Walton, on the other hand presented the panoramic view of academic life at Portsmouth University, including but not limited to the academic programs, student life, tuition fees and scholarship opportunities. The webinar also discussed opportunities for student exchange programs, faculty development initiatives, and knowledge sharing between researchers at both universities. The online event provided a valuable platform for faculty, researchers, and administrators from both institutions to engage in discussions, identify areas of mutual interest, and lay the groundwork for future collaborative ventures.
Both events were well-attended by faculty, senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and other stakeholders. The public lecture generated discussions and provided valuable insights into how a One Welfare framework can be applied to improve working equid welfare. The webinar served as a platform to strengthen academic ties and explore future collaborations between the two universities.
The Office of the Director for Research Affairs and the College of Veterinary Medicine would like to thank Prof. Tesfaheywet Zeryehun, Dr. Leanne Proops, and Dr. Emily Haddy for being instrumental in initiating and fostering collaboration between Haramaya University and the University of Portsmouth.