Effects of Chinese Donkey Skin Trade on the Livelihoods of Rural Households in Kenya

Donkeys are working animals and they offer vital livelihood support to rural households in Kenya. They reduce vulnerabilities of rural households and increase their resilience during difficult spells brought about by external shocks like draught. The rise of the Chinese donkey skin trade in Kenya which is fueled by the high Chinese demand for Ejiao (the hide’s by-product), poses a threat to livelihoods of rural households in Kenya. This study’s aim was to examine the effects of the Chinese donkey skin trade on the livelihoods of rural households in Kenya. The study utilized a case study design in its methodology and employed a mixed methods strategy to collect and analyze data. Two case sites were chosen, namely: Naivasha East ward in Naivasha, Nakuru County; and Kivaa ward in Machakos County. Quantitative data analysis methods using SPSS and qualitative thematic analysis were used to analyze and report on the quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The study findings showed that the Chinese donkey skin trade negatively affected livelihoods of the rural households by increasing their vulnerabilities to poverty, water insecurity, illiteracy, and economic disempowerment. Nonetheless, findings showed the rural households adopted various coping strategies in order to increase their resilience against the vulnerabilities. For short term measure, the study recommends that the government halts the Chinese donkey skin trade for some period in order to allow the donkey population to regenerate and more importantly to safeguard the dwindling livelihoods of rural households in Kenya. For long term measure, the government should develop a public policy, with participation of all stakeholders, that will promote and balance the interest of the donkey population as a resource, livelihoods of rural households and investors.