By Umar Nsubuga
For many commercial farmers, heavy machinery like tractors is the go-to tool for boosting productivity. Yet, two innovative farmers, Moses Chemaswet from Kapchorwa and Twaha Kakooza from Kayunga, are showing that donkeys can be an unexpectedly powerful asset.
These farmers have found donkeys to be affordable, eco-friendly, and adaptable, bringing significant value to their farming operations.
By sharing their practical experiences, Chemaswet and Kakooza reveal how donkeys can improve farm efficiency, cut costs, and support community growth an accessible solution for farmers, especially in areas where machinery may be costly or impractical.
The case for donkeys in commercial farming
Both Chemaswet and Kakooza have years of experience in agriculture, and each has learned the practical advantages of integrating donkeys into their farming operations.
“Donkeys have been around for ages, but people often underestimate their capacity to contribute meaningfully to commercial farms,” says Chemaswet.
As he explains, donkeys are a practical solution for farmers working on medium to large-scale farms who may not have the capital to purchase and maintain tractors or who prefer a low-cost, sustainable method of farm management.
According to Kakooza, donkeys offer several unique advantages: they are hardy animals, require less food than other draft animals like oxen or horses, and can work effectively in rugged terrains.
“In hilly areas like Kapchorwa,” Chemaswet notes, “tractors struggle on the steep, narrow paths. Donkeys, on the other hand, can navigate these areas with ease.”
He emphasises that donkeys are not only economical but also suitable for various tasks, such as transporting harvested crops, fetching water, and carrying farm supplies, especially in regions where infrastructure is limited.
How donkeys reduce operational costs
Kakooza and Chemaswet agree that donkeys help in significantly lowering farm expenses. For instance, a single donkey can carry up to 200 kg in one trip, eliminating the need for fuel-powered vehicles for short-distance transport tasks.
“It’s a real cost-saver,” Kakooza remarks.
“I have saved so much on fuel and vehicle maintenance by using donkeys to transport materials around my farm.”
Donkeys are relatively low-maintenance. They require simple, inexpensive diets consisting mostly of grass and hay, and they have a high resistance to diseases that commonly affect other livestock.
“With proper care, donkeys can work for many years, providing steady labour without the high overhead costs of machinery,” adds Chemaswet.
This longevity and durability make donkeys a reliable and financially wise choice for farmers looking to maximise profit while minimising expenditure.
Improving efficiency on the farm
Both farmers highlight the donkey’s contribution to improving efficiency on the farm. From transporting harvested crops to local markets to carrying supplies for irrigation, donkeys play a pivotal role in simplifying daily tasks.
Chemaswet uses his donkeys to move fertilizers across his fields, which reduces the time and effort needed for fertilisation and ensures that nutrients are evenly spread over his land.
“When you have donkeys helping you with routine tasks, you can focus your energy on more critical aspects of farming, like crop management and planning,” he explains.
Kakooza, who also grows cash crops, uses donkeys during the planting and harvesting seasons.
“They are perfect for carrying the bags of seeds and the harvested crops. I can take things in bulk without struggling,” he says.
The ease of mobility provided by donkeys increases overall productivity and makes farm operations smoother and more manageable.
Environmental and community benefits
Chemaswet and Kakooza also highlight the environmental and social benefits of using donkeys. Unlike fuel-powered machinery, donkeys do not contribute to air pollution, making them a sustainable choice for eco-conscious farmers.
“They help me farm in a way that’s friendly to the environment,” Kakooza shares, adding that he has noticed improved soil health and less land degradation since he began using donkeys for transport instead of heavier vehicles.
Moreover, donkeys are instrumental in fostering a sense of community and creating employment. In areas where donkeys are used on multiple farms, young people are hired to train, care for, and manage the animals, providing employment and teaching valuable skills.
“In my community, many people are interested in learning how to work with donkeys. It’s a tradition that can be passed down and helps keep our youth engaged and productive,” says Chemaswet.
