Abstract
Donkey hides are used in a form of Traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao, the demand for ejiao is currently so high the global donkey population is currently in decline. Africa’s donkey population is considered a key source for the trade, with Kenya being highlighted as being particularly affected. In Kenya donkeys play a vital contribution to people’s livelihoods; this study aimed to explore the potential impact of the donkey hide trade on small holder farmer’s livelihoods. The study was conducted in five counties in Kenya; data was collected using household survey questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. When household survey participants (n = 421) were asked if the number of donkeys in their herd had decreased within the last two years 34.2% (n = 144) reported a decrease, of those 43.8% (n = 63) reported the selling of donkeys as the primary cause of reduction in herd size. Increased money spent on the transportation of farm produce, water and firewood was the most frequently reported effect of the loss of donkeys (62.5%, n = 263). Some focus group discussion participants said that they had previously sold their donkeys to raise money for school fees, likewise 43% (n = 97) of focus group discussion participants said that they would sell their donkeys to pay medical bills. Results from the study suggest that small holder farmers are choosing to sell their donkeys for an instant boost in income, but long-term this is unlikely to be a sustainable livelihood option.
Highlights
In many low- and middle-income countries equids make a vital contribution to people’s livelihoods [1] [2]
We provide an initial insight into the role of donkeys in the livelihoods of small holder farmers in Kenya, and the potential effects of the donkey hide trade
With the primary consequence being a lack of available food, which in some instances further contributed to a household’s decision to sell their donkeys. These results suggest that due to the known increased price of donkeys [2] and the reported decrease in the global donkey population [2] [20] it is likely that the trade of donkeys to meet consumer demand for ejiao is an unsustainable livelihood option long-term for small holder farmers
Summary
In many low- and middle-income countries equids make a vital contribution to people’s livelihoods [1] [2]. Working equids support people’s livelihoods in a range of sectors including construction, agriculture, tourism and public transport [1] [3]. In Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, donkeys are commonly used to carry produce from rural areas to markets in the city [6]. A study which explored the economic contribution of donkeys to households living on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, found that 39% of households who had recently acquired a donkey stated that their income had improved [6]. In Mali a survey of donkey owners found that donkeys provide an important economic contribution to people’s livelihoods. The study found that 67% of donkey owners had an average monthly income of (US $167), whilst the average monthly income per capita is (US $55) [7]
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