Senegal

Overview

There are nearly one million horses, donkeys and mules across Senegal, transporting people and goods in towns and rural areas, ploughing fields and helping with the harvest. The welfare of these working animals is poor and many suffer from sickness and disease as a result of working for prolonged periods in a challenging climate.

Making a difference

At the start of 2010, the Brooke began working in Senegal with its partner, Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (Agriculturalists and Veterinary Surgeons without Borders, or AVSF).

The Brooke and AVSF have been working with the animal-owning community in Vélingara in Casamance in the south of the country since 2001:

• Helping to develop an understanding of animal welfare within the AVSF team, their technical partners, the government veterinary service, as well as equine owners. 
• Changing the attitude of animal owners so that they value their horses and donkeys. Shelters have been constructed and donkeys housed in stables with access to food and water instead of roaming free.  As a result these animals are now in better condition and more productive. 
• AVSF are working with the government veterinary service in order to build their skills and capacity.

Find out about local solutions for wounds in Senegal