The Donkey Sanctuary, a nonprofit based in the United Kingdom, has called for the economic role of donkeys to be reexamined, calling the animal grossly undervalued and facing a significant threat as a result.

The organisation undertook research in four locations in Oromia Regional State, investigating the role of donkeys in the livelihoods of the communities. The research found that donkeys develop and sustain livelihoods and generate income for the most marginalised communities. In its statement released last week, Donkey Sanctuary emphasises the need to undertake an evaluation of their socioeconomic value.

An important reason for the undervaluation of the animal is the marginalised nature of those that have the most to gain from its services, according to Donkey Sanctuary. It also emphasises that donkeys play a role in reducing social inequalities by minimising the burden of women and children and allowing them to focus on more productive activities.

An additional challenge, according to the statement, has been the surging demand for their hides, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine called Ejiao.

Understanding the value of donkeys is an interdisciplinary study that should involve experts in tourism, transport and agriculture, according to Bojia Duguma (MD), country director for Donkey Sanctuary Ethiopia, which was established in 1994 and assists veterinary schools in the care of the animals and has established care centres in Oromia, Amhara, Tigray and the SNNP regional states.

“We believe an important aspect of improving the living condition of these animals is properly evaluating their role in the economy,” he said.

On top of playing an important role in agriculture, donkeys serve as a means of travel in the rural areas, income generation, and an important factor in food security. Ethiopia has a population of 8.8 million donkeys - one of the highest populations in the world.

“But no sector is yet to claim them," he said. "Their contribution is taken for granted.”

The Donkey Sanctuary also emphasises stigma related to the animal as an important fact for its undervaluation and inclusion in development prospects.

“Our work can only be seen as putting out the fire,” said Bojia. “This is why it's important for the government to take a leading role and include these animals in its development planning.”

The government has included many animals in its strategic and development policies, aiming at tapping into the potential of each animal for economic development. This has resulted in efforts for the proper valuation and care of the listed animals in different sectors.

Fekadu Regassa, professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Agriculture at Addis Abeba University, said that the development strategies were mainly focused on cows, sheep and goats and had failed to include working animals such as donkeys.

"Donkeys are an important source of livelihood for those living in rural areas," Fekadu said. "The lack of government to address them in its livestock policy is a major gap.”

The Donkey Sanctuary has been working with the ministries of Agriculture and Transport, as well as with civil society organisations working in rural development and research institutions, to help comprehend the value of these animals and understand their potential.