Forum theatre as a tool to promote positive donkey welfare on Lamu Island, Kenya

Forum theatre emerges as a powerful tool for promoting positive donkey welfare in resource-poor, geographically isolated communities like Lamu Old Town, Kenya. The study demonstrates that this arts-based approach effectively raises awareness about key welfare issues—donkey health needs, welfare needs, and load-carrying limits—in both adult and youth audiences. Post-performance questionnaires revealed significant shifts in attitudes, particularly among children, who showed increased recognition of donkeys' pain responses and emotional states. Over 90% of adults reported heightened awareness after the performance, underscoring forum theatre's potential to bridge gaps in traditional engagement methods. This innovative approach offers a scalable solution for animal welfare advocacy in equid-reliant communities.

Haddy, E., Proops, L., Bradley, T., Bowyer, C., & Sing’Oei, O. (2025). Forum theatre as a tool to promote positive donkey welfare on Lamu Island, Kenya. Animal Welfare, 34. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2025.12