Donkeys walk through a busy market in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiopia is thought to have the most donkeys in the world, one in five of the global total according to the United Nations, and they form a vital part of the economy. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation says Ethiopia had some 9 million donkeys in 2018. They play a major economic role in the East African country of around 130 million people, ploughing fields and transporting goods. Donkeys offer a cheaper alternative to cars at a time when petrol prices have risen sharply.

A veterinarian treats a donkey at a donkey clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AFP

Men load bags of fertilizer onto the donkeys at a market in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AFP

Donkeys wait to receive care at a clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AFP

A man walks his donkeys after they received treatment from the donkey clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AFP

Guluma Bayi (L), 38, gets advise from a veterinarian after his donkeys receive care at a donkey clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AFP

A veterinarian stands among donkeys at a donkey clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AFP