Putting the cart before the horse: mixedmethods participatory investigation of working equid harnessing practices in Ethiopia

Background: Millions of working equids support the functioning of low-income communities worldwide.  With  the  prevalence  of  harnessrelated wounds  reported  as high  as 80%,  this study  aims  to  describe  the  equipment used by working equids in  three Ethiopian locations, and  the attitudes and practices of equid  stakeholders regarding work equipment.

Methods: This mixed-methods study consists of cross-sectional surveying of working equids used for taxi, transport of goods or water, as well as structured interviews with cart-drivers and focus group discussions (FGD) with working equid stakeholders. Focus group discussions included participatory ranking of equipment attributes and equipment drawing exercises. Indicators of equipment design and assembly, as well as cart-driver attitudes and practices were described quantitatively. Associations between equipment characteristics and species, work-type and cart-driver indicators were investigated through univariable logistic regression models, whereas focus group discussions were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results: In total, 368 working equids and cart-drivers were surveyed and 88 participants took part in nine FGD. Equipment characteristics differed considerably from those described in the literature, with only saddles and breast collars present in all equipment. Donkey harnesses had fewer components than those of horses, such as swingle-trees (OR 0.02; 95% CI 0.01-0.06; p<0.001) or girths (OR 0.09; 95%CI 0.02-0.4; p=0.002). Horse equipment was more likely to have functional elements such as breeching (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.9-20.9; p<0.001). Of all equipment attributes, FGD participants ranked cost, design and animal wellbeing highest. Thematic analysis identified lack of training, awareness and direct or indirect access as barriers to quality equipment, which participants indicate compromises the welfare of equids and the broader community.

Conclusions: Various deficiencies of design, assembly and use of equid work equipment were identified. Promoting behavioural change through awareness and training could lead to a sustainable improvement of work equipment quality, access and prevention of equipment-related problems.