Estimating the economic value of working donkeys in Ethiopia

There is limited empirical evidence on the quantitative economic contribution of donkeys to livelihoods, leading to their undervaluation and exclusion from policy. Here an enterprise budget analysis is embedded within a stochastic dynamic population model for three production systems in Ethiopia to evaluate system inputs, outputs and the economic contribution of donkeys. The model was parameterised using data from household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, supplemented by literature. The economic value of donkeys' (unpaid) homestead and agricultural services was estimated in terms of both monetary savings and conserved human labour hours. The benefits of donkey ownership significantly exceed the costs, with an average net return of USD 567 (95% PI: 479-660) per household per year. Donkeys provide essential unpaid labour, particularly in domestic agricultural and pastoral systems. Households saved an average of USD 498 (95% PI: 437-564) a year by utilising their own donkeys. Additionally, they reduce household labour demands by up to 16.5 hours per week, easing the workload on women and enabling children to attend school. In agriculture, donkeys support all production stages, providing an average of 53 days of work per year. This study demonstrates the importance of donkeys across Ethiopia's production systems and the need for investment in donkey health and welfare to sustain these benefits. Donkeys provide essential economic services, helping marginalised households with limited resources to significantly enhance their well-being and financial circumstances.