In many places animals have to live a life that is unethical and far from being species-appropriate. Worldwide demand for animal products is rising. Animals often have to bear the consequences of the increasing pricing pressure.

The Maasai in East Africa show how livestock farming can be carried out with dignity and in harmony with nature - like they have done for thousands of years. They...

In the summer of 2017, the young Maasai Mnyandoe Laban successfully completed his training in Animal Health and Production. Mnyandoe already provides valuable veterinary help on-site in Tanzania.

Mnyandoe's studies were entirely financed through our Maasai Scholarship programme. We would like to thank all our "Vaccination for Africa" veterinarians in Austria for...

As reported, the situation in the Western Serengeti in Tanzania has escalated recently: many Maasai villages have been ruthlessly burned and countless Maasai lost the basis of their existence.

What are the backgrounds for the ruthless expulsion of the Maasai from the Western Serengeti? The disputes on Maasai land have begun more than 30 years ago. At that time, the Tanzanian...

Our Maasai scholar Lucas has used his summer vacation to raise the awareness for education in his district. Together with fellow students he has launched the group DUMSA (Dar-es-Salaam Maasai Student Association). The students have visited Maasai villages throughout the district and talked about the enormous importance of education, gender equality, an end to child marriage and female genital...

Last week, we received reports of new acts of violence on the Maasai in the Western Serengeti. According to unofficial reports, at least 70 Maasai villages have been burned. Numerous people, including many children, have been injured in these attacks and have lost their homes and all their possessions. The aim of these attacks is to evict the Maasai from their land, because the Tanzanian...

Worldwide, there are around 200 million pastoralists, who depend on animal husbandry and the sale of animal products. This way of life has been adapted for centuries to the natural realities of the region and

• is centred around livestock
• relies on herd mobility
• depends on community-based land tenure and access rights
• builds on traditional knowledge
...

With Agenda 2030, the United Nations have set goals for sustainable development for the people, the planet and prosperity. The crucial contribution of livestock farming to the achievement of these objectives was explained during a UN forum on sustainable development.

• 70% of milk in countries such as Kenya or india comes from small-scale farms.
• 75% of the poorest people...

Our Maasai scholar Mnyandoe Laban spends the holidays in the village of his family, where he was able to help a calf suffering from a fracture of the right hind leg.

Lucas Moreto, one of VSF Austria's scholars in Tanzania, underwent a debate with the examination board at the university. It was about the right of freedom of expression and how it is applied in Tanzania. We are very happy that Lucas has been able to decide this debate for himself and has also passed the exam. In addition, Lucas has completed the first academic year as the best of his class and...

The last weeks were very busy for our Maasai scholar Mnyandoe Laban: Apart from the classes he had to take - like in the lab (see photo) - the end of the semester also meant sitting for numerous exams for his diploma studies (Diploma in Animal Health and Production). We are very proud that Mnyandoe successfully finished this year and we wish him time to relax during his summer holidays....