Many farmers in Malawi depend on working animals, who are the hidden workforce that need recognition and care. During this year’s International Working Animal Day (IWAD), the LSPCA with support from the Donkey Sanctuary-UK, visits Dedza donkey owners to share best practices on donkey management.
Together with the lead farmers from Dedza and Lilongwe, LSPCA has trained twenty-six new donkey owners and cart drivers on donkey cart best practices and management. These new trainees are now able to hitch the specially designed harnesses on donkeys and attach them to carts. The harnesses improve the efficiency of donkeys by allowing them to pull carts with their chest which also prevents injury.
International Working Animal Day is a special day to raise awareness about the vital role of working animals in people’s everyday lives. IWAD 2022 was celebrated on the 15th of June.
Working animals like donkeys support the livelihoods of many people in the community by ploughing fields, transporting food, water, farm materials and products, etc. Transporting goods using working animals makes it possible for impoverished families to earn a living. Despite their vital role, this invisible workforce is overlooked. There is a need to take good care of our working animals so that they continue reaping benefits for us.