The demand for donkey hides in China has grown exponentially over the past 15 years, primarily driven by the production of ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey hide gelatin. Ejiao has been used for millennia to treat various health issues, including fatigue, dizziness, and irregular bleeding, and is now consumed by tens of millions of Chinese women. The medicinal properties of ejiao are attributed to its collagen-rich composition and bioactive peptides.
Africa is home to the world's largest donkey population, which has made it a target for the ejiao industry's supply chain. As China's demand for donkey hides increased, African countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania became key suppliers. However, the rapid growth in demand has led to a shortage of donkeys in Africa, with many being sold or stolen for their hides. One donkey hide can fetch over $400 in China, making it a lucrative trade.
The donkey trade has significant impacts on African communities, particularly rural households that rely on donkeys for their livelihoods. Donkeys are essential for carrying water, firewood, and farm produce, and owning one can save women up to five hours of labor per week. However, as donkey prices have climbed, many poor families can no longer afford to own one, leading to decreased household income, food security, and schooling.
The trade in donkey hides has also raised concerns about animal welfare, organized crime, and biosecurity risks. The Donkey Sanctuary estimates that China imports over three million donkey hides annually, with 25-35% coming from stolen animals. The organization has called for greater regulation of the trade and protection of donkey populations.
In response to the growing concerns, the African Union has taken steps to regulate the trade in donkey hides. The first Pan-African Donkey Conference in 2022 led to the Dar es Salaam Declaration, which called for a 15-year continental moratorium on the slaughter of donkeys for their hides. The 37th African Union Summit in February 2024 backed the call and agreed to the moratorium.
Despite these efforts, implementation has been imperfect, and the trade continues to pose significant challenges. The slow breeding rate of donkeys and the porous borders in Africa have made it difficult to regulate the trade. Furthermore, banning the trade can drive it underground, making it harder to track and regulate.
Lauren Johnston, a specialist on China trade with Africa, has published a book titled "China, Africa and the Market for Donkeys," which explores the drivers and impact of the donkey trade. Johnston hopes that her book will contribute to saving the donkey and raise awareness about the far-reaching consequences of China's demand for donkey hides.
Key points
- The demand for donkey hides in China is driven primarily by the production of ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine.
- The trade in donkey hides has significant impacts on African communities, particularly rural households that rely on donkeys for their livelihoods.
- The African Union has taken steps to regulate the trade in donkey hides, including a 15-year continental moratorium on the slaughter of donkeys for their hides.
