| In fact, in some parts of rural Ethiopia, over 90% of families own at least one horse or donkey, and the use of these animals is on the rise.
In this part of Africa, equines form the backbone of the economy for some of the world’s poorest people. From ploughing the land to dragging carts laden with produce to markets to providing a 24-hour taxi service for people - equines are the forgotten labourers of Africa.
This year, a new large-scale £400,000-a-year operation has been launched by the Brooke in Ethiopia with the aim of helping over one million equines in three regions of the country over the next few years through equipping animal owners, government vets, farriers, saddlers and animal health workers with the necessary skills to care for these animals. This means not only improved welfare for millions of animals, but safeguarding the livelihoods for millions of desperately poor communities who depend on them to eke out a living.
The Brooke’s programme is already underway in Kenya where the Brooke - together with local Kenyan organisations Kenya Network for Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies (KENDAT) and Practical Action - use radio broadcasts and billboards, and work with village groups, school clubs, and Animal Health Care Workers in rural communities to transform the lives of thousands of donkeys in Kenya.
"The majority of equine animals in East Africa suffer very poor welfare arising from sheer lack of knowledge. This is largely because millions of people across Kenya and Ethiopia have never been shown how to care properly for their animals," explains Mike Baker, the Brooke's Chief Executive. "Knowledge of the most basic animal care practices - such as water provision, shade and rest - is lacking, as well as respect for their animal. In addition, quality veterinary services are virtually non-existent in Kenya and Ethiopia, and even the most basic medicine for equines is hard to come by."
"Beating of animals is endemic across these countries coupled with deep seated beliefs that equines carry disease and cause ill fortune," continues Baker. "Clearly there is a long way to go to change these attitudes - but the Brooke's approach is to tackle the heart of the issue and create a permanent change by working directly with the people who own the animals to find long-lasting solutions."
22.2.7/ENDS
|
