Addressing Animal Welfare through Collaborative Stakeholder Networks

Jill Fernandes, Dominique Blache, Shane K. Maloney, Graeme B. Martin, Bronwyn Venus, Frederick Rohan Walker, Brian Head and Alan Tilbrook
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Jill Fernandes: The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia
Dominique Blache: School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
Shane K. Maloney: School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
Graeme B. Martin: School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
Bronwyn Venus: The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia
Frederick Rohan Walker: School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
Brian Head: School of Political Science and International Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia
Alan Tilbrook: The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia

Agriculture, 2019, vol. 9, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: In this review, we discuss animal welfare as a complex and contested issue facing society and outline why collaborative, multi-stakeholder approaches are critical for effective policy development. Using the lens of “wicked problems” and drawing upon governance literature on policy networks, we identify important factors for working with the inherent complexity of animal welfare through the inclusion of various stakeholder perspectives. We present two case studies that illustrate policy network approaches to animal welfare and highlight the value of fostering collaboration among various stakeholder groups from the industry, community, research, and government sectors. We suggest that the influence of stakeholder networks will likely increase in coming years as newer forms of participatory governance become common. By understanding how collaborative stakeholder networks establish participatory governance, productive communication, and collective priorities, leaders in the field of animal welfare can more productively engage with stakeholders and achieve long-lasting improvements in animal welfare.

Keywords: animal welfare; collaboration; stakeholder networks; policy networks; wicked problems; participatory governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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