“The health of my donkey is my health”: A female perspective on the contributions of working equids to One Health in two Ethiopian communities

Abstract

Background: Working horses, donkeys and mules are used to support the livelihood of millions of households in low- and middle-income countries through their work in agriculture, transport and assistance with domestic duties among others. In doing so, these working equids often relieve their users from demanding physical tasks and contribute to their wellbeing. For many households, this support is provided primarily to women. This study aimed to explore working equid contributions to the health and wellbeing of those they support under a One Health perspective. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of a series of semi-structured in-depth interviews with ten female working equid users in two Ethiopian communities in the Oromia and Amhara national regional states during 2023. Interviews were conducted with simultaneous translation into the local language and verbatim transcripts were analysed thematically. A systems map was generated illustrating identified One Health links. Results: Five main themes were identified concerning the contributions of working equids to One Health: direct health benefits and hazards, nutrition and food and water security, access to health services and commodities, support services and systems, and wellbeing and lifestyle. Examples of human health impacts included direct physical and mental health benefits, facilitating access to healthcare or medicine and support for the sick. Animal health gains included improved nutrition and provision of veterinary care, and environmental benefits included the production of biofertiliser and contributions to waste management. Health hazards such as work-related animal welfare compromise and unhygienic shared environments were also identified. Conclusions: The relationship between working equids and their female users is multifactorial and deeply intertwined, with profound connections at social, economic and health levels. Evidencing this relationship through identified One Health links facilitates advocacy efforts and informs the establishment of appropriate support systems. Addressing working equid communities under a One Health and One Welfare framework is essential to ensure their wellbeing and promote their sustainable development. One Health impact statement This research places the use of working equids in low-income Ethiopian communities within a One Health context. These animals provide essential support to livelihoods, food and water security as well as socio-economic resilience. Additionally, we explore how they influence human, animal and environmental health both directly and indirectly using a female and participatory perspective, foundational principles of inclusion, and engagement of communities and marginalised voices. This work was performed collaboratively with local partners, including authors with scientific and social backgrounds, promoting a transdisciplinary approach as well as social and multicultural parity. This work may inform and facilitate the implementation of holistic systems that address the use and ownership of working equids and ensure the adequacy of their supporting systems and structures, ultimately with the aim of improving community wellbeing sustainably.