About Us

Animal Welfare and Environment Network for Tanzania (AWENET) is a non-profit organization working across Tanzania to reduce suffering for farmed animals through compassionate food systems change.

We work with schools, chefs, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals to promote plant-based diets and alternative proteins. Through training, advocacy, and partnerships, we're building a national movement that makes animal welfare a shared community responsibility.

Illustration of five zebras walking across a grassy landscape with three trees and hills in the background, depicted in a digital, stylized art style with a black background.
Two women wearing white chef uniforms and hats stirring a large pot, with a tropical fruit background including pineapple, bananas, and other fruits.

Our Mission

Reducing suffering for animals in Tanzania through compassionate food systems, education, advocacy, and welfare.

A young boy standing behind a display of fresh vegetables at an outdoor market, with large melons and leafy greens visible.

Our Vision

A future where every Tanzanian community has access to plant-based food systems that protect animals, people, and the environment, where no animal suffers.

Children cooking and chopping fresh greens in a kitchen.

Our Goal

Reducing suffering for animals in Tanzania through compassionate food systems, education, advocacy, and welfare.

Our Focus

We believe efforts to reduce animal suffering are stronger when organizations focus on different areas. While other vegan organizations in Tanzania focus on sustainable agriculture and horticulture, AWENET's approach is rooted in promoting compassion for animals through healthy, plant-based lifestyles. We advocate specifically for reducing suffering and cruelty toward farmed animals, who experience harm in the largest numbers.

By changing what people eat, we can reduce animal suffering at scale while improving public health, food security, and environmental sustainability.

Our Team

  • Nathan E. Leonard (He/Him)

    Executive Director

    Nathan is a veterinarian and animal advocate with eight years of experience in animal advocacy. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine from Sokoine University of Agriculture and a second degree in Governance and Leadership from the Open University of Tanzania.

  • Lispa Kisha (She/Her)

    Finance and Administration

    Lispa is a food scientist and nutritionist with expertise in finance management. She has three years of experience in animal advocacy and holds a Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Engineering from Sokoine University of Agriculture.

  • Rosemary Kaale (She/Her)

    Field Officer and Trainer

    Rosemary is an animal expert and advocate with two years of experience. She is a diploma graduate from Tengeru Livestock Training College in Arusha.

  • Salma B. Mzimbiri (She/Her)

    Coordination, Policy and Public Affairs

    Salma is an agronomist and animal advocate with three years of experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture.

See our programs