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Donkey Welfare for Economic Empowerment – Somaliland

This project, implemented by VSF-Germany in partnership with Brooke East Africa, aims to enhance the welfare of working donkeys and strengthen the resilience of equine-owning communities in Somaliland. Donkeys are essential to the livelihoods of many urban and peri-urban households across Hargeisa, Gabiley, and Wajaale, yet their welfare remains largely overlooked. By improving access to animal health services, strengthening community-based husbandry practices, and supporting livelihood diversification, this initiative seeks to promote long-term improvements in both animal welfare and household economic security.

Working donkey pulling a loaded cart in an urban area of Somaliland—the project aimes to improve animal welfare and support equine-owning households.
Working donkey in Somaliland. The project supports animal welfare and urban livelihoods.

Project Overview

  • Improving Donkey Welfare for Economic Empowerment of Urban and Peri-Urban Households in Maroodjex Region in Somalilan

    Official Title

  • Brooke East Africa

    Donor

  • USD 260,000

    Budget (2-year estimate)

  • April 2025 – March 202

    Duration

Background

In Somaliland, over 120,000 donkeys are vital to daily life, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings where they transport water, firewood, construction materials, and food. Despite their critical economic role, donkeys often suffer from neglect, overwork, and preventable health issues. These challenges stem from a combination of owner’s households that face economic hardship, limited access to veterinary care, cultural attitudes that underestimate the donkey’s vulnerability, and inadequate policies to protect equine welfare. 

Recurring droughts and environmental degradation further strain the ability of households to feed and care for their animals. In response, VSF-Germany and Brooke East Africa have collaborated since 2019 to implement phased interventions focused on animal health services, education, infrastructure, and community engagement. The upcoming project phase builds on these achievements by addressing remaining gaps in health care, nutrition, water access, policy implementation, and sustainable livelihoods for donkey-owning households. 

A working donkey harnessed to a cart in a densely built urban area in Somaliland—highlighting the daily burden these animals carry and the need for improved welfare.
Donkeys transport heavy loads daily. The project promotes better care, feeding, and working conditions.
© VSF Germany

Project Description and Results (expected)

Over two years, the project will benefit an estimated 10,000 working donkeys and support 6,000 households across Hargeisa, Wajaale, and Gabiley. Its core focus is to strengthen donkey welfare through enhanced veterinary care, improved nutrition, increased water access, and livelihood diversification. 

Veterinary services will be bolstered by training and mentoring Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) and supporting four existing treatment centres. Paravets will receive refresher training in disease management and pain treatment, while connections between CAHWs, donkey owners, and government vets will be strengthened to ensure a coordinated approach to care. 

To address nutrition gaps, the project introduced drought-resistant fodder crops such as sorghum and maize. Donkey-owning associations were trained in fodder production and storage, which improved feed security and created income opportunities through surplus sales. Improved water access will come through rehabilitating a borehole and constructing four water troughs. Community-led water user committees will manage and sustain these facilities, helping reduce strain on both animals and owners. 

Behavioural change and awareness will be promoted through school-based welfare clubs, community forums, and multimedia campaigns. These will foster better husbandry and build long-term commitment to animal welfare at community level. 

Finally, the project will reinforce the implementation of the Working Animal Welfare Policy and support alternative livelihoods such as small ruminant fattening. These measures will reduce dependency on donkeys alone, increase household income, and promote sustainable care for working animals.

A heavily loaded donkey rests in the shade in an urban area of Somaliland—illustrating the working conditions addressed by the donkey welfare project.
Healthier donkeys mean stronger livelihoods. The project promotes animal welfare as a foundation for economic resilience and dignity.
© VSF Germany

Economic Impact and Sustainability (expected):

The project is designed to deliver measurable improvements in both animal welfare and household resilience. By addressing the core physical and emotional needs of working donkeys—such as access to adequate nutrition, protection from injury, and relief from pain—the project fosters healthier, more resilient animals. Healthier donkeys not only work more efficiently but also experience less suffering, aligning with the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare. These improvements ultimately reduce treatment costs, increase productivity, and allow owners to sustain their livelihoods with greater compassion and dignity. 

Household income will also increase through fodder sales and diversified livelihood activities. The project’s sustainability is reinforced by its integration into existing systems. Veterinary services will be delivered through trained CAHWs and government-supported clinics. Fodder production and water management initiatives will be maintained by community associations, while continued policy advocacy and institutional engagement will ensure that donkey welfare remains on the national agenda. 

Community-led ownership, government collaboration, and strengthened service networks are central to the project’s sustainability strategy. These interconnected efforts will ensure that the improvements achieved are lasting and resilient, benefiting both animals and the communities that rely on them.