Zimbabwe

Why we work here?

Working donkeys lead exhausting lives across the Beitbridge region, suffering from low welfare conditions due to a complexity of issues, including poor nutrition, management and handling practices, as well as abandonment and road traffic accidents. 

Despite being such a vital asset, donkeys are not valued highly and as such, there is a lack of awareness of how best to take care of them and a lack of commitment to treating them in a welfare friendly manner. They are often missed from drought-relief programmes set up to support livestock and are rarely given the water, shelter or protection they need either. 

Women, especially those in poorer, rural households rely on donkeys to do tasks that they would otherwise have to perform themselves, enabling them to be economically active and increasing their personal resilience.

What we are doing?

In 2018 we started working with Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Zimbabwe (VAWZ) to begin to engage with donkey-owning families in the region and identify key welfare issues and the barriers to improvement. With the support of World Vision and the Department of Veterinary Services, we have been able to lead training for para-vets on equine-related topics that can be applied to their field work to better recognise and treat health and welfare problems in donkeys.

Meet a team member

Dr. Flora recently joined the team to provide the main veterinary care in Beitbridge for the project. She works closely with the district government vet in order to best meet the needs of the 30,000 donkeys in the area as well as leading other project activities including training and liaison with stakeholders.