Why China Imports Millions of Donkey Hides from Africa: New Book Explores Drivers and Impact

China's demand for donkey hides has surged over the past 15 years, leading to the import of millions of hides from Africa each year. Lauren Johnston, a specialist on China-Africa trade, has spent years researching this trade and has published a new book, 'China, Africa and the Market for Donkeys.' In an interview, she discusses the key drivers behind the trade, including the use of donkey hides in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly ejiao, a gelatin believed to have health benefits. The book examines the economic incentives for African farmers and traders, but also highlights the negative consequences, such as the depletion of donkey populations, rising prices, and the impact on rural communities that rely on donkeys for transport and labor. Johnston's research underscores the complex interplay between global demand and local livelihoods, raising questions about sustainability and regulation. The trade has prompted some African countries to ban donkey exports, but enforcement remains challenging. As demand continues, the future of donkey populations and the communities dependent on them hangs in the balance.