Kidogo Kidogo – “little by little, or step by step”

By Anya Floyd, with Dr. Martha Mellish

Our second week of donkey work has come to an end and we felt it was time to introduce both the name and the philosophy behind our project. “Kidogo Kidogo” is the Swahili term describing a gradual process; something that is achieved little by little, or step by step. We hope that by making small changes, little by little, we will be able to enact lasting change for the Donkeys of Meru County. 

Our project now totals over 220 donkeys having received tetanus vaccines, rabies vaccines, and dewormer for intestinal and lung parasites. 

Our data collection is coming to a close with upper airway endoscopies completed on 75 donkeys. We will analyze our data once we are back in Canada, and see what conclusions we can draw.

Our driver David has been phenomenal, navigating roads and traffic that seem impossible. We always arrive safely and mostly on time! Traffic in Kenya can range from what seems like hundreds of cars, lorries, and motorcycles, to a herd of goats, sheep, and cows who have no concept that they are blocking the entire road. 

The Farmers Helping Farmers staff have also been phenomenal, acting in many roles from translator, navigator, organizer, and donkey handling assistant! Their knowledge and skill is unmatched!!

We would like to thank Gikundi, Leah, Stephen, and Salome! Without them we would not have been able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time.  

Next week, we have educational seminars and donkey walk-in health clinics planned. It is hard to believe our time here is more than half over. We will be leaving with even more plans for next year. and optimism for the future of the donkeys in Meru.