Equids in drought and floods

Hello, I am Franklin Ogwankwa, from Brooke East Africa. I am part of a team working on Brooke’s new #DisasterRiskManagement Global #ResearchProgramme in collaboration with @Professor Ilan Kelman at #InstituteForRiskAndDisasterReduction, #UniversityCollegeLondon.??

The frequency and intensity of hazards like #Floods and #Drought have increased over the past decade, affecting both communities and their animals. In the developing part of the world like the Sub-Saharan Africa region, communities depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. #Equids, such as horses, donkeys and mules used for work are recognised as an integral part of ensuring that these vulnerable communities can meet their household needs. These animals help them meet their livelihood by transporting water and household items over long distances in the event of floods or drought, ensuring that the communities are safe and relieved of suffering.

Countries like Kenya, Somali, Ethiopia and Tanzania in the Eastern Africa region have experienced intense rainfall, causing flooding which has led to displacement of millions of people and the loss of their livelihoods, including the donkeys and horses. This follows a prolonged season of drought affecting most areas in these countries. Vulnerable groups, including women and children, have been forced to travel long distances in search of water and food during droughts and to seek refuge with their young children, ensuring the family's safety. In some communities, especially the pastoralists like the Turkana in Northern Kenya, the Maasai in Tanzania and Kenya, and the nomads of South Sudan, women are left to fend for the children and themselves while the men move to find feed and water for their livestock. This has led to the recognition of equids as the "second wife" of these households since they are able to relieve them and serve as beasts of burden.?

Despite their significant contribution, efforts have been made to ensure that the animals are safe and receive appropriate care, but more needs to be done. Policies that are inclusive and targeted need to be created, and resources need to be allocated to support these working animals in the event of a disaster. With research and more evidence generated, policies will be well-informed, and necessary resources will be well-allocated.?

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