Ripple Effect Donate Donkeys To Bungoma Farmer Groups

By Isabella Maua

Farmers of different groups within Bungoma County have expressed their gratitude to Ripple Effect after receiving donkeys set to help them in their household chores.

Speaking at Namwela as he received 4 donkeys on behalf of Maarifa Youth Group, Moses Kibore said that the donkeys will be of great help to their group, especially with the terrain in his region.

“We want to thank Ripple Effect for this noble act of donating donkeys to us. I come from Chepyuk ward, Mt. Elgon Sub County, and as you know, the terrain in the area is not friendly at all. These donkeys will really change our lives by being our transport aid,” said Kibore.

Jackline Chebet of the Mulembe group explained that the 3 donkeys they have been given will greatly help them in home use by carrying water from water points, which are quite far from their homes, as well as fodder for animals.

“Nowadays, men have left us women to do all the chores within the homestead, and indeed it is very tiresome for us. These donkeys will help us a lot in carrying water, farm produce from our shambas, and even grass for the cattle and donkeys themselves,” she reiterated.

Beatrice Were of Ripple Effect affirmed that the 3-year project ‘Scaling Innovations 4 Reduced and Redistributed Women’s Unpaid Care Work in Smallholder Livestock Farming (I4RR)’ will continue using donkeys as an innovative way to reduce work for women in the communities they are working in.

“So far 23 households from 10 groups within the 3 sub-counties we are working in, including Sirisia, Mt. Elgon, and Kimilili, have received 25 donkeys, and we are determined to change their lives through such projects,” she assured.

Namwela Assistant County Commissioner Joyce Oyoko lauded Ripple Effect’s efforts to ensure women are appreciated in their laborious work and also men, children, and youths are incorporated in farm work and household chores.

Dr. Richard Barasa, the Sub County Veterinary Officer of Kabuchai, urged the farmers to utilize the donkeys they have been given and ensure they get professional aid from vets near them.

“Most of the times farmers think vets are only there to help cattle; they should know that donkeys too need to be taken good care of so that they can serve them well too,” he emphasized.