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Today marks the beginning of Donkey Week. This year, the donkey week runs from 12 to 18 May 2021. This is a week-long event celebrating the amazing lives and benefits of donkeys to mankind. As we celebrate this special week, we would like to highlight the work we have been doing in improving the lives of donkeys.

Through our Donkey Sanctuary Project launched in 2015, we have trained about 800 donkey owners on donkey management and welfare issues, conducted more than 56 donkey clinics, improved the welfare, and reached out to about 8,000 donkeys in Lilongwe and Dedza.

Donkey use in agriculture

Our donkey welfare programme has empowered donkey owners with better knowledge of donkey management. We believe that a well-cared-for and healthy donkey can work more effectively to support the livelihoods of its owners. For the first time in Malawi, donkeys are harnessed, trained farriers are delivering services, and ploughs specifically made for donkeys are being used in Agriculture.

Women Inclusion

Our Donkey Sanctuary Project is inclusive, we ensure that no one is left behind. We have established donkey welfare groups for women, to ensure women's participation in donkey welfare issues. We have also introduced these women to donkey care, welfare and handling, and trained them in the making and use of pack saddles.

Future Plans

In near future, our donkey Sanctuary Project plans aim at promoting the widespread adoption and use of friendly harnesses and donkey carts. Currently, the LSPCA is working with lead farmers as well as the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) to identify and come up with a modified donkey cart model which will greatly improve people’s livelihoods at the same time enhances the welfare of Malawian donkeys.