Farmers Advised To Prioritize Donkey Welfare As Mt Elgon Continues Experiencing Heavy Rainfall
By Isabella Maua
Donkey farmers have been challenged to prioritize the animals’healthandwell-being by giving them nutritious feed,clean water,and shelter,especially during this rainy season.
While speaking to farmers who had brought their donkeys for routine deworming and farriery services at Kaptama on Thursday courtesy of Ripple Effect,Dr.Wechabe Simiyu,who was in charge of the exercise,took the chance to give farmers insights on donkey welfare.
“It has come to our notice that most o four farmers in this region value cattle more than donkeys since cows give them milk but donkeys do not.You should note that it’s the donkeys who carry grass and water for the cows to feed on and drink,”observed Dr.Wechabe.
Furthermore,donkeys save women from carrying heavy water for long distances hence safeguarding their health and allowing them time to do other meaningful activities.
Jeremy Korir,who had brought their male donkey called Simba,couldn’t hide his gratitude for the great services and knowledge he gained from the day’s activity.
“I am so grateful for the service Ripple Effect has brought to us today;our donkey has been trimmed its hooves and he has been dewormed.I have been challenged to ensure he gets clean water and sufficient feeds,besides clean and warm shelter,”stated Korir.
Rose Chebet,a donkey user,also said she has been empowered with knowledge and will be taking good care of the donkeys she uses,even if they are no their own,since they greatly contribute to the economy.
“I normally rent donkeys and pay the owners some money so that they can carry firewood and water to my home from Chesito and sometimes Kaboywo.I will now be ensuring they get clean water and eat well since we’ve been neglecting them for long,”admitted Chebet,who had passed by to learn more about the equines.
“We have indeed neglected and made these animals suffer under our watch for a long time. We would appreciate it if Ripple Effect and other related organizations would continue with such programs to mentor donkey farmers and users since they’re our sole helpers given the unfriendly terrain and the bad weather we’re currently experiencing,” she commented.
Conclusively,farmers around Kaptama lauded Ripple Effect for its unending support in donkey-related matters,citing that since the organization set foot in the region,theirlives and those of their animals have never been the same.
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