Systemic protection of animals and a sustainable future for Central Asia
A public foundation promoting humane animal welfare standards, environmental sustainability and healthy food through partnership with business and society.
About the Foundation
Public Foundation “Central Asians for Animals” (“CAFA”) is a non-profit organisation from Kazakhstan.
The Foundation’s core mission is to systematically advance animal welfare, environmental sustainability, public health and responsible corporate practices in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
We believe that caring for animals, protecting the environment and human health are closely connected. Our goal is to help business and society move to more ethical, environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
Our values and approach
Institutional change
We focus on systemic reforms that help thousands of animals at once.
Constructive dialogue
We do not confront business; we help it adopt international standards (CSR/ESG).
Science and data
All our initiatives are based on scientific evidence and environmental and economic research.
Transparency
We adhere to the highest standards of financial accounting and corporate governance.
Our programmes and projects
Systemic initiatives of “Central Asians for Animals” to protect animals, develop sustainable food systems and protect the environment in Kazakhstan.
- 01Legal protection and regulatory reform
- 02Research and transparency in the agricultural sector
- 03Accessible and sustainable plant-based food
- 04Movement building and expert collaboration
- 05Ecology and sustainable food systems
What we are working on
Achieved · 2026
Published a reference review: livestock and poultry farming in Kazakhstan — the industry and its regulation
Research and transparency in the agricultural sectorPlanned · 2026
A program with retail chains and HoReCa on moving to cage-free housing for hens
Legal protection and regulatory reform
The industry is growing faster than animal welfare standards
Kazakhstan’s poultry industry is growing fast: the country is fully self-sufficient in table eggs, and the poultry population is approaching 49 million. Yet the law allows any housing system, including cages, and does not require a move to higher welfare standards. So the conditions animals live in today depend largely on decisions made by business and the state — and the fund works with both.
The industry in figures
- poultry in Kazakhstan as of 1 March 2026, 4.4% more than a year earlier
- 48.9 million
- poultry in Kazakhstan as of 1 March 2026, 4.4% more than a year earlier
- Bureau of National Statistics, Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan (stat.gov.kz). (opens in a new tab)
- egg-laying poultry farms with a combined capacity of 4.5 billion eggs a year; the country covers 100% of its table egg needs
- 37
- egg-laying poultry farms with a combined capacity of 4.5 billion eggs a year; the country covers 100% of its table egg needs
- Official information resource of the Press Service of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (gov.kz). (opens in a new tab)
- Order of the Acting Minister of Agriculture: the veterinary and sanitary requirements allow different poultry housing systems and contain no general ban on cages
- No. 7-1/498
- Order of the Acting Minister of Agriculture: the veterinary and sanitary requirements allow different poultry housing systems and contain no general ban on cages
- Adilet legal information system of regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (opens in a new tab)
Analytics and regulatory framework
A reference and analytical overview of key production indicators, livestock numbers and the veterinary and sanitary requirements in force in the Republic of Kazakhstan (data from the Bureau of National Statistics and the Ministry of Agriculture, 2025–2026).
Go to analyticsNews
Legislation and standards
Regulatory requirements for poultry housing in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Order No. 7-1/498 of the Acting Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 29 May 2015, which remains in force, directly regulates how poultry enterprises operate in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan’s legislation sets veterinary standards for cage, floor and free-range housing alike. This provides a regulatory basis for gradually introducing modern humane standards (Farm Animal Welfare) at domestic enterprises.
Analytics and markets
Livestock industry trends in Kazakhstan in 2026
According to the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector continues to show positive dynamics. Chicken egg production in January–February 2026 rose by 8.3% year on year to 716.1 million eggs, and the total poultry population reached 48.9 million birds. An analysis of market trends shows strong potential for introducing sustainable quality standards and better animal housing conditions.
Food security
Kazakhstan’s poultry farms and food self-sufficiency
According to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the country has 37 industrial egg-producing poultry farms (with a capacity of 4.5 billion eggs a year) and 32 meat-producing farms. Kazakhstan fully meets domestic demand for table eggs (100%) and meets 78% of demand for poultry meat. As the industry enters a phase of stable saturation, the ground is laid for discussing product quality, the environment and humane animal housing.
How to work with us
For business
Free ESG consulting and support with the move to Cage‑Free and plant-based menus.
For donors and partners
A transparent, professionally managed NGO and a reliable partner in Central Asia.
For residents and volunteers
Education on animal protection and the benefits of plant-based food.
Contact
- Phone
- +7 778 628 0519
- Registered address
- Apt. 33, 296 Mamyr-4 Microdistrict, Auezov District, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
Zhansaya Zholdasbay
Co-founder and Executive Director
Zhibek Akylbekova
Co-Founder & Director of Strategic Development