Community development as a mode of improving the welfare of working equines: sharing experiences from Kenya.

Abstract

Globally, working equines play a central role in the development of communities where they are used as the main source of draught power. Using a Community Development (CD) approach we are working with donkey users' associations, women and youth groups, schools, and community-based organizations (CBOs). Donkey welfare is integrated into activities promoting sustainable livelihoods and improved environments. Community participation and use of life skills for children form the basis of our CD approach. This paper attempts to describe the use of a CD approach involving the formation of donkey users' groups, which is helping to bring about positive improvements in donkey welfare, owners' socioe-conomic conditions, and the general environment in some areas. We believe a well structured CD approach can improve donkey welfare as well as people's livelihoods and environment.