The role and welfare of working animals in disasters
Donkeys, horses and mules play a vital role in supporting communities during disasters. Learn more about how working animals help with disaster response and the risks they face during emergencies.
What happens to working animals during disasters?
Many communities depend on working horses, donkeys and mules to support their livelihoods. For example, to fetch water, transport people and carry goods and produce to market. When disasters happen, these essential animals are often placed under extreme pressure, threatening the wellbeing of the animals and the families who rely on them.
Hazards such as droughts and floods can have devastating effects on daily life, putting both people and animals at risk.
Disaster planning
Working horses, donkeys and mules play a vital role in helping communities cope with and recover from droughts and floods. Yet their contribution, health and welfare are often overlooked in disaster risk management plans.
Disaster planning must actively include and protect these animals, because safeguarding working horses, donkeys and mules is essential to protecting livelihoods, speeding up recovery and reducing long-term vulnerability.
Our research project
In partnership with Professor Ilan Kelman, University College London, Brooke is leading a three-year research programme. We will investigate the role of working donkeys, horses and mules in disasters and the impact that emergencies have on animal health and welfare across Ethiopia, Kenya, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Senegal.
The findings will inform our advocacy and community development work, ensuring animals are included in future policies and resilience strategies.
Watch: the role, health and welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules in disaster risk management
Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health, University College London, and Franklin Ogwankwa, Research and Meal Officer, Brooke East Africa, discuss the role and welfare of working animals during disasters.
Working in partnership
As a global team, we’ve focused on identifying evidence needs through co-production workshops and building strong collaborations with universities, local organisations and communities.
Together with University College London, the University of Edinburgh, and the London School of Economics, and in close partnership with staff across our country offices, we’re ensuring our research involves communities, is relevant and is designed to deliver real-world impact.
Our research programme
Our research programme runs until 2027, and the next stage will focus on gathering data in India, Pakistan, Nicaragua, Senegal, Ethiopia and Kenya.
We’ll work with communities to learn more about the role and welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules in managing disasters like droughts and floods. Throughout the programme, we’ll share updates and keep working closely with key partners.
Explore our work
Our research
Research is vital to everything Brooke does. It helps us understand the real challenges faced by working horses, donkeys and mules, as well as the communities who depend on them for their livelihoods.
