The past, present and future of domestic equines in Tanzania.
Abstract: Equines are minor species in Tanzania's array of domestic livestock. Attempts to use them for transport by early explorers from the mid-nineteenth century usually failed. Donkeys were used extensively as pack animals to complement human porters by both British and German forces in the First World War, but their advantages were often outweighed by slow progress and competition with troops and porters for water, and they died in huge numbers. The British had regular cavalry troops in their campaign and mules found limited use as individual mounts for officers. In modern times, there are very few horses in Tanzania but they find several uses. Exotic safaris are made on horseback, they are used as stock horses on ranches, there is a polo club in northern Tanzania and there are leisure riding activities around the capital city. Official census records for donkeys estimate numbers at under 300,000 with concentrations in the northern pastoral and agropastoral areas where they are used as pack animals with water being the main commodity transported. Elsewhere donkeys are used to a limited extent in transport and traction work. There is little interest in equines by the central and local governments or the general public and the status quo can be expected to continue.
Publication Date: 2013-09-30 PubMed ID: 24834000PubMed Central: PMC4013987DOI: 10.1294/jes.24.37Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article examines the historical and current roles of domestic equines in Tanzania, and predicts their future use. It finds that horses and donkeys have played a minor role in Tanzania’s agriculture and transport sectors, and this trend is likely to continue.
Historical Use of Equines in Tanzania
- The paper begins by evaluating the historical role of equines (horses, donkeys, and mules) in Tanzania. During the mid-nineteenth century, explorers tried to use them for transportation, but mostly unsuccessfully. Their slow pace, need for water and unsuitability to the local environment made them inefficient compared to human porters.
- Donkeys, however, were utilized extensively by both British and German forces during World War I. Despite their greater resilience and load-carrying ability, the same issues of slow progress and water needs persisted, leading to large numbers of casualties among the animals.
- While the British used their regular cavalry troops for the campaign, mules were marginally used as individual mounts for officers.
Modern Use of Equines in Tanzania
- In contemporary Tanzania, the number of horses is relatively negligible. The ones that do exist find their use in various sectors:
- They are used for exotic safari experiences which cater to tourists.
- They are employed as stock horses on ranches, helping in managing livestock.
- Horseback riding is a leisure activity in and around the capital.
- In northern Tanzania, there is a polo club which utilizes horses for the sport.
Current and Future Status of Donkeys
- The paper also provides census details for donkeys, revealing that their numbers are under 300,000. Their main concentration is in the northern pastoral and agropastoral areas of Tanzania where they primarily carry water.
- In other parts of the country, their use lends to transportation and traction work, although to a limited extent.
Interest and Likely Future Trends
- The research adds that neither the Tanzanian government nor the public show much interest in equines. This lack of interest, alongside the practical issues associated with equines in the Tanzanian climate and environment, suggests that the current status quo is likely to persist.
Cite This Article
APA
Wilson RT.
(2013).
The past, present and future of domestic equines in Tanzania.
J Equine Sci, 24(3), 37-45.
https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.24.37 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Bartridge Partners, Umberleigh, Devon EX37 9AS, UK.
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Kabir A, Lamichhane B, Habib T, Adams A, El-Sheikh Ali H, Slovis NM, Troedsson MHT, Helmy YA. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond-A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024 Jul 29;13(8).
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