As Ethiopia suffers its worst drought in 50 years, the Brooke has launched an emergency response to help feed 600 working equines a day.
Livestock die
The seasonal warming over the Pacific Ocean – known as El Nino – has caused a serious drought across Africawith Ethiopia one of the worst affected areas.
“Ethiopia is facing its worst drought in a generation and as crops fail and livestock die, the Brooke is responding,” said Dil Peeling, director of animal welfare and sustainability at the Brooke. “Our teams are on the ground supporting the survival of people’s essential livestock.”
‘Critical role’
Ethiopia has nine million working horses, donkeys and mules, which is the second largest population in the world. These support 85 per cent of Ethiopians living in rural areas, with each one providing an income for a family of six.
During these droughts the animals are more important to local communities than ever.
“These animals play a critical role now in transportingemergencysupplies to people and other livestock, and will be needed afterwards as people rebuild their lives,” said Dil.
Vital work
TheBrooketeams are currently working in Halaba and Sankura to provide feed for 600 working equines each day for a month, and water for up to 1,800 each day.
They are also giving treatments to tackle disease, offering advice to animal owners and helping to repair water reserve ponds that have been damaged by a build-up of silt.