New research presented to African leaders exposes theft and suffering as trade in donkey skins escalates
A new report launched at the Pan-African Donkey Conference (PADCo) has revealed the growing toll of the global donkey skin trade on African communities, especially women and children in rural areas.
The research highlights widespread donkey theft and sharp drops in household income, warning of a mounting crisis driven by international demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine made from donkey gelatine.
Published by The Donkey Sanctuary, the report titled Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Futures reveals how up to 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally each year to meet the demand for ejiao. With China’s donkey population already decimated, Africa has become a major source for this trade, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and transport-dependent families.
The Donkey Sanctuary delegation at PADCo – left to right- Ian Cawsey, Otieno Mtula, Edie Bowles, Eduardo Santorum, Niall Duffy
“This trade is robbing African women of more than animals – it is robbing them of dignity, economic opportunity, and support in their daily lives,” said Dr David Obiero of Maasai Mara University and lead author of the study.
The report, backed by peer-reviewed research published in Human Animal Interaction, paints a grim picture: In one Kenyan community, 29 out of 30 women interviewed had their donkeys stolen. In affected areas, household incomes fell by as much as 73% following the loss of a donkey. Women reported increased physical burden, emotional distress, and the breakdown of economic resilience after losing their animals.
Donkeys are essential for daily tasks including collecting water, transporting goods, and accessing markets. In many communities, they are seen as integral members of the household. One woman described her donkey as her “co-wife” due to the critical role it plays in supporting her family.
“When donkeys are stolen, families are thrown into hardship. Women are forced to carry firewood, water, and produce themselves. It’s painful to watch our communities suffer like this,” said Anne Odari Onditi, Treasurer of the Association of Donkey Owners in Kenya and contributor to the report.
Dr.Obiero
The report was unveiled at PADCo 2025, hosted by the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and supported by the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE). The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to address the growing threat posed by the trade.
This follows the African Union’s bold decision in February 2024, when Member States agreed to a continent-wide moratorium on the slaughter of donkeys for their skins and committed to a strategy to protect the animals and the communities that depend on them.
“This research shows the clear link between animal welfare and human development,” said Marianne Steele, CEO of The Donkey Sanctuary. “The trade in donkey skins is not just a threat to animals. It is a threat to gender equality, food security, and rural livelihoods.”
Jessica Stark, Chair of ICWE, called on African governments to act swiftly, noting that, “Time is running out. We urge leaders to stand by their AU commitments, protect one of the continent’s most valuable working animals, and put an end to this destructive trade. Donkeys are more than animals. They are engines of development in rural Africa.”
About the author of the research:
David Obiero Oduori is a veterinarian with 17+ years of experience in livestock development, field research, and capacity building. He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) from the University of Nairobi, a Master’s in International Animal Health from the University of Edinburgh, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Veterinary Public Health. David has led initiatives ranging from animal welfare advocacy and development of animal protection legislations to community-based programs for working equines. As a lecturer at Maasai Mara University, he focuses on applied research, training, and community outreach while mentoring future professionals.
Impact of the skin trade on Africa’s women and children
CHILDREN DENIED NUTRITION – Donkey theft sees children deprived of food and water simply to feed the ejiao industry. A woman without a donkey may be forced to leave her breastfeeding baby behind so that she can carry the load. Parents living in poverty struggle to provide food, healthcare and essential items for their children and may be forced to reduce meal sizes or to skip meals entirely.
PHYSICAL HARM – Heavy loads carried on the head or back cause physical injury and deterioration and can lead to severe musculoskeletal pain, 35 maternal and foetal health problems and psychological trauma.
CHILDREN – MOST OFTEN GIRLS – DENIED EDUCATION Without a donkey, parents often can’t afford to pay for school fees, uniforms or supplies. They also can’t spare the labour and day-to- day survival may force them to sacrifice their children’s education. This burden disproportionately falls to girls, further embedding gender inequality and cementing them into a lifetime of poverty and disadvantage.
EMOTIONAL TRAUMA – Women often develop deep and enduring bonds with their donkeys, and many experience profound grief when their donkeys are stolen and slaughtered.
STOLEN TIME – When a donkey is stolen, what was a single trip with a donkey to collect water or supplies becomes multiple trips, and many hours, with the woman carrying the load herself.
DECLINING LIVING STANDARDS AND SANITATION – Without a donkey, families can struggle to access all the provisions they need, and, in the case of water, this can lead to health and sanitary problems in families. Basic provisions fall beyond the reach of families. Did you know The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide. Headquartered in Devon, UK, the organization provides lifelong care to over 6,000 donkeys across the UK and Europe, through the ten sanctuaries and guardian homes, and reach about 447,00 more through its international programmes and partnerships.
The Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized agency of the African Union Commission, dedicated to supporting and coordinating the sustainable development of Africa’s animal resources. Through its work, AU-IBAR contributes to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability across the continent.
As a continental leader in donkey preservation, AU-IBAR spearheaded the adoption of the AU Moratorium on the Slaughter of Donkeys for Their Skins, protecting these vital animals and the communities that depend on them. AU-IBAR continues to advance strategic frameworks—such as the Pan African Strategy for the Development of Donkey Species in Africa—and champions collaborative efforts with the International Coalition for Working Equids, Regional Economic Communities, Member States and development partners to improve donkey welfare, combat illicit trade, and integrate equine protection into national and regional development agendas.
