Assessment of the Production Status, Utilization and Management of Donkeys in Gena Bossa Woreda, Dawuro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the status, utilization and management system of donkeys in Gena Bossa Woreda, Dawuro Zone.  Both primary data through structured questionnaire and secondary data from different relevant offices, published and unpublished sources were gathered using 150 statistically selected respondents. The result of the present study showed that the average number of donkey per household was 1.27. Almost all (99%) of the production system is extensive. The common feed resources for donkeys were natural grazing pasture, crop residue and house leftover. Donkeys were marketed through formal and informal systems. Marketing of donkeys were affected by market channel, lack of awareness and distance from market. The market price of donkeys was dependent on age, sex, body condition and season. Lack of awareness, poor road and feed shortage were the main problems that hinder donkey production and utilization in the study area. In general, it can be concluded that donkey production in the study area was practiced under extensive production system which is constrained by different factors. Therefore, in order to improve the traditional donkey production system and alleviate the constraints, different improvement strategies that can solve the existing constraints should be implemented.

Keywords: Constraints, Donkey, Overloading, Priority index, Utilization, Work pattern