THE ROLE OF CAMELS AND DONKEYS IN RURAL TRANSPORT IN DUNDAYE DISTRICT OF WAMAKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The study assessed the role of camels and donkeys in rural transport in Dundaye district of Wammako local government area of Sokoto State. Seventy five (75) respondents (animal transporters) were selected randomly from the study area, data were collected from primary and secondary sources, primary sources were through structured questionnaire, while secondary sources were from periodicals, documents, proceedings and journals. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results of the findings revealed that based on coat colour 4 distinct types of camels were identified 30% Ja (red) was more than any other colour and 7 different types of donkeys were identified with 36% Ehokusu (cream) more than others, on loads carried; 61.33% camels were used for moving crops stalk from one location to another, while 38.48% donkeys fetch water for their owners, 41.24% preferred camels because it could be sold after long time use to generate income, 32.48% camels can take them to places where they can board a vehicle, 58.67% camel and 50.67% donkeys transporters encountered disease infections and reluctance to move respectively. It is recommended that veterinary doctors should visit interior villages periodically to treat sick animals and animal transporters should form associations so as to attract assistance from government and non-governmental organizations.