Happy donkeys, happy owners!

Meet two of our dedicated donkey users who have experienced positive changes in their lives through our Community Donkey insurance for protection (CDIP) program. Their smiles reflect how STIPA is empowering rural farmers while ensuring the safety and well-being of their donkeys, which are essential to their livelihoods.

As we enter this new month, we are reminded that progress occurs when we come together to make a difference. Let's continue to advocate for donkey welfare and embrace innovation for a brighter and more sustainable future.

The Role of Donkeys in Agriculture

Donkeys are more than just working animals—they are economic enablers and key contributors to rural development. In many communities, they serve as a lifeline for smallholder farmers, supporting sustainable agriculture and poverty alleviation. Here’s how:

• Transporting Farm Produce: Donkeys assist farmers in moving crops from fields to markets, ensuring timely supply and minimising post-harvest losses.
• Ploughing & Land Preparation: By aiding in ploughing and tilling, donkeys facilitate land cultivation, reducing reliance on costly machinery.
• Water & Firewood Collection: Numerous households count on donkeys for fetching water and firewood—tasks that are vital for daily survival.
• Boosting Household Income: Families that own donkeys can generate income through transport services, enhancing financial stability and livelihoods.
• Enhancing Climate Adaptation: Unlike motorised transport, donkeys have a lower environmental impact and are well-suited to arid conditions, making them a sustainable solution.
• Supporting Women & Vulnerable Groups: Donkeys alleviate the burden of labour-intensive tasks, empowering women and marginalised communities by providing better access to resources.

At STIPA, we are committed to safeguarding and enhancing donkey welfare through the Community Donkey Insurance of Protection (CDIP) and sustainable agricultural solutions. A healthier donkey translates to a stronger farming community. Let’s safeguard and appreciate these hardworking animals for a brighter future!

Every hardworking donkey deserves comfort and protection. Proper harnessing and saddling aren’t just about preventing injuries—they improve work efficiency, longevity, and overall well-being for these essential animals. A well-cared-for donkey means a more productive and prosperous community!

Meet Kabolwa SHG in Nyakach Sub County a dedicated group committed to better donkey care. Through expert training, they are adopting safer, more effective harnessing techniques to reduce wounds and discomfort for their donkeys. With well-padded, properly fitted saddles, they are setting a new standard for sustainable and humane animal welfare.

This is more than just training; it’s about empowering communities, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring that donkeys can continue to support families without pain or suffering.

Meet Phoebe Awino from Kisumu Nyakach Sub-county, a proud member of Agoro SHG. She owns four donkeys—Corona, Dama, Lorine, and Bella—who have transformed her life since she embraced donkey care in 2018.

Through proper training, she now maximizes their economic value, using them for water transport, irrigation, and farm work—saving costs and generating daily income. Her donkeys help sustain her household, support her grandchildren’s education, and even contribute to community projects.

‘Donkeys are money!’ she says, emphasizing their role in financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.