The Brooke - Nepal

Country profile

Situated between China and India (the most populated countries in Asia), Nepal’s terrain ranges from low humid terai (“moist lands”), through the Siwaliks (hills) and up to the high Himalaya mountains. Its five climatic zones range from tropical (below 1,200 metres) to arctic (above 4,400 metres).

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world (the UN estimates that about 40% of Nepalis live in poverty*) and it is still struggling to overcome the effects of 10 years of civil war. Although the country’s main exports are carpets, clothing and leather and jute goods, most of the population depend on agriculture. Many are subsistence farmers living in terai areas who keep farm animals like buffalos, goats, poultry and working horses, donkeys and mules.

It is estimated that around 100,000 horses, donkeys and mules support over half a million people across the country as they work carrying goods and people.

Current situation

We believe that only 3-5% of the country’s vet services reach animal owners because there is very limited technical manpower and it is generally only available in city centres or the headquarters of districts.

The welfare situation for working horses, donkeys and mules is extremely poor in some parts of the country. Most vets and animal health workers have only basic skills and knowledge in relation to the care and management of horses, donkeys and mules.

Apart from the lack of access to expert help, other welfare problems include a severe lack of vaccination programmes and poor knowledge of animal welfare amongst owners. The combination of these things means preventable wounds, injuries and diseases are commonplace.

Making a difference

The overall goal of the programme is to measurably improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules in Nepal.

Brooke is achieving this in Nepal by working in partnership with Animal Health Training and Consultancy Service (AHTCS), an experienced non-profit making, non-governmental organisation whose roots in Nepal go back to 1981. AHTCS has a proven track record in running good quality animal health projects, and has strong links with policy makers in Nepal.

Sharing knowledge, understanding and good welfare practice © Brooke

The programme currently works in an area where mules are the sole form of transport to carry various goods to and from mountain villages. We plan to achieve the following in the project region:

at least 20% of mule owners practicing improved welfare activities
at least 60% of suffering mules to receive free emergency treatment
at least 70% of owners to be organised to form animal welfare groups to share knowledge, understanding and good welfare practice

Through Brooke-funded work in Nepal, we reached up to 9,000 working mules in 2009.

* BBC World Service country profile