EVALUATION OF CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS INFLUENCING VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS DONKEYS BY THEIR HANDLERS IN KIBIRICHIA WARD, MERU CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY, MERU COUNTY, KENYA

This study sought to evaluate the cultural and religious beliefs that influence violent behaviour towards donkeys by their handlers in Kibirichia Ward of Meru Central Sub-County. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory was used to guide the study. Methodological triangulation approach was used involving Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and interview schedule for two groups and seventy six donkey handlers respectively. Krueger’s framework analysis method was used for qualitative data analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer programme was used for analysis of quantitative data using descriptive statistics to derive Chi square and cross tabulations. Majority of the handlers perceive violence to donkeys as injuries on donkeys’ body, overloading and underfeeding of donkeys. Unlike religion, culture had not influenced the violence. Religion was found to have minimized the violent behavior and insistence on humane treatment as a pre-condition for employment is effective. Incorporation of the findings in policy development by Livestock Department will enhance extension package targeting reduction of cruelty to donkeys by their handlers.