Emergency response in Ethiopia
It has become clear in recent months that Ethiopia is facing its worst drought in 50 years. This photo, taken from an article on Al Jazeera, shows how working donkeys are already helping with people's access to supplies.
Along with other organisations, Brooke has launched an emergency response to help these animals.
“Ethiopia is facing its worst drought in a generation and as crops fail and livestock die, the Brooke is responding. Our teams are on the ground supporting the survival of people’s essential livestock.
“Ethiopia has nine million working horses, donkeys and mules, the second largest population in the world. The work and income from one of these animals can support a family of six, contributing to food security, and providing a lifeline for 85% of Ethiopians living in rural areas. These animals play a critical role now, in transporting emergency supplies to people and other livestock, and will be needed afterwards as people rebuild their lives.
“Brooke Ethiopia are expecting to feed 600 working equines each day for a month, and will deliver water for up to 1,800 each day.”
The Brooke Ethiopia teams in Halaba and Sankura are providing food for the animals, giving treatments to tackle disease, and advice to animal owners. They are also helping to repair much needed water reserve ponds that had been damaged by a build-up of silt.
In May 2014 Brooke released the Invisible Helpers report that showed women's views on the contributions of working horses, donkeys and mules to their lives. Ethiopia was one of the countries featured in the report.
26 January 2016