Characterization of Donkey Husbandry Systems in Four Peri-urban Communes in the Central Region of Burkina Faso

Abstract

The donkey is an essential working animal in family farms across Burkina Faso. However, knowledge of donkey husbandry systems and management practices remains limited. This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2026 in four communes of central Burkina Faso (Komsilga, Koubri, Pabré, and Saaba). Data were collected from 100 donkey keepers selected using a snowball sampling approach through a structured survey. Descriptive statistics, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were used to characterize donkey husbandry systems and identify keeper profiles. . The results showed that donkey owners were predominantly men (71%), mostly farmers (83%), and generally owned small herds (78%). All respondents practised extensive husbandry and used natural pasture, harvested forage, and crop residues. Donkeys were used mainly for transport (99%) and field work (96%), while none of the respondents reported keeping donkeys for breeding purposes. Keepers did not recognize distinct breeds but differentiated animals by coat colour, with the local term tampouré (grey coat) predominating (82%). Multivariate analysis identified three distinct keeper profiles, differentiated by age, experience, location, and management practices. These findings underline the socio-economic importance of the donkey, highlighting the need to improve management practices for the conservation of local donkey genetic resources.