Understanding donkey value chain in Kenya: mapping, governance, challenges, and equity.

Area of Science:

• Animal science
• Agricultural economics
• Development studies

Background:

• Donkeys (Equus asinus africanus) are essential for rural and peri-urban livelihoods in Kenya, supporting transportation, agriculture, and income.
• Despite their importance, donkeys are underrepresented in national policies and development strategies, with limited data on their value chain governance and challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the donkey value chain in Kenya.
• To assess existing governance frameworks and identify constraints.
• To explore opportunities for upgrading the donkey value chain across diverse production systems.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven Kenyan counties representing varied agro-ecological zones and rural-urban divides.
• Data were collected through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions with diverse value chain actors.
• Thematic and quantitative analyses were performed to identify value chain nodes, trends, and challenges.

Main Results:

• The donkey value chain is largely informal with minimal regulatory oversight and fragmented markets, relying on informal networks for essential inputs like veterinary services and feed.
• Donkeys are primarily used for transport and their manure for agriculture; donkey milk has medicinal uses, and meat consumption is a cultural practice in Turkana.
• Weak governance structures fuel illegal trade and theft, leading to population decline, exacerbated by past abattoir activities.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening regulatory frameworks is essential for animal welfare, controlling illegal trade, and improving service delivery within the donkey sector.
• Formal integration of donkeys into national livestock policies is critical for investment in research, veterinary care, quality inputs, and maximizing the use of donkey-derived products.