Means of Livelihood, Clean Environment to Women Empowerment: The Multi-Faceted Role of Donkeys

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Donkeys are resilient species and exhibit functional adaptation in a wide range of climatic conditions. However, in comparison to other livestock species, their inclusion in agricultural or livestock health and nutrition policy, education, and research sectors is negligible. The focus of the current review is on the value of donkeys across a range of sectors, including agriculture, construction, industry, and tourism. The study emphasizes the importance of donkey welfare, as well as the vital function that donkeys serve in sustaining the livelihoods of some of the most underprivileged communities all around the world. In poor and oppressed communities all around the world, donkeys can help to empower women and give them a way to work and make a living. ABSTRACT: Despite the substantial contribution donkeys make to the livelihood of the world’s poorest populations, the existence of donkeys has received little notice worldwide. This article reviews the value of donkeys in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, construction industry, and mining, as well as their role in empowering women and achieving sustainable development goals. However, donkeys and mules are not given enough credit or attention in terms of developing strategies regarding their role in reducing poverty. There is a dearth of information and statistics on their impact across industries, the factors contributing to the donkey population dropping, the socioeconomic status of the dependent communities, and related animal and human welfare issues.