adminThe Herald, February 9 1993
AN extension programme in donkey breeding, feeding and disease control should be introduced in Zimbabwe to encourage maximum use of the drought-tolerant animal in drier regions which are still tsetse-infested, a local research organisation said yesterday.
The Government should consider importing harder donkey breeds from semi-arid countries like Botswana and Ethiopia. Cross-breeding of horses and donkeys should be undertaken to get much stronger mules, the Zimbabwe Environmental Research Organisation agronomist, Cde Roger Mpande said in an interview.
Donkeys breed and mature slowly and intensive research into the animal would improve this. The animals need little water and are not affected much by external parasites, making them ideal for tsetse-infested areas.
Despite the worst drought last year, donkeys survived in parts of Masvingo and Matabeleland North and South, where entire herds of cattle were killed.
The Canadian International Development Agency was currently assisting people in the Zambezi Valley to boost donkey-related technology.
Legislation does not allow them to bring cattle into the area since it is tsetse-infested area.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Zimbabweans need to change their attitudes towards donkeys and embrace the protection and care of the working animals, which have been at the centre of rural economic growth and development for smallholder farmers especially.
The donkey’s status has undergone an overnight transformation from being a lowly-rated animal associated with poverty to the new broom on the communal farm where it is now valuable for draught power and chores.
Donkeys are not heavy feeders like cattle, and can survive on scanty grass pastures and minimal water, plus a bit of crop residue.
Online Reporter