The economic impact of pack donkeys in Makete , Tanzania

This paper reviews the economic effects of the introduction of donkeys and compares their cost efficiency with other transport interventions undertaken in the region. The use of donkeys generated larger economic benefits than the construction of a feeder road. Regarding cost efficiency donkeys were comparable with road investments. The donkeys in Makete were only used for production-related transport tasks on the farm. The benefits would be higher if the donkeys were also used for domestic transport purposes. Domestic transport is traditionally a female task, but the animals were owned exclusively by men. The study showed that lack of cash was the main constraint to the purchase of donkeys. It is stressed that investment in donkeys may be as efficient as investment in roads.