Socioeconomic roles and welfare aspects of donkey (Equus asinus) in Ethiopia

Abstract

Given the fact that donkeys contribute to valuable socio-economic activities in small holders agricultural sectors, they are under low welfare condition in developing countries. This is need assessment of the profiles, socioeconomic roles and welfare of donkeys in developing countries like Ethiopia. A total of 384 randomly selected donkeys in selected sites of Ethiopia were assessed for socioeconomic activities and their welfare issues including working day-length. The majorities of donkeys used in the study area are 6-10 year (70.8%), and are male (94.3%), and in moderate body condition (59.1%). Here, they are frequently used for transportation of animal feed, water, constriction material, market and mill, charcoal and fire wood, and salt ban. In addition to these 48.7% of the studied donkeys were also used for ploughing. Average mean ± SD working-hours/day was 11.00±1.00 and days/week was 6.56±0.68. Feed shortage, unfair communication, watering once per day, and outdoor keeping are the commonly observed. However, majorities (86.6%) were kept off-pray-dieter and 72.1% receive Tigray Donkey Health and Welfare Project health services. Donkeys’ contribution in farmers’ livelihood for poverty alleviation in developing countries worth a lot. They reduces burden failed on the local society mainly on woman’s and children but, welfare issues need to do lot in Ethiopia.

Key words: Donkey profile, socioeconomic activity, welfare, transportation, Ethiopia