Ejiao Trade & Donkey Cruelty: A UPSC Perspective on Ethics, Economy & Environment
By Suryavanshi IAS
Why This Topic Matters for UPSC?
The global donkey hide trade for Ejiao intersects with:
GS Paper-III (Economy, Environment, Biodiversity)
GS Paper-II (International Relations, China-Africa Trade)
GS Paper-IV (Ethics, Animal Rights, Sustainable Development)
Essay & Current Affairs (Globalization, Exploitation, Livelihoods)
Recent reports highlight ecological, economic, and ethical crises, making this a high-priority issue for Prelims, Mains, and Interviews.
Key Issues & Data Analysis
1. The Ejiao Industry: Demand & Cruelty
What is Ejiao? A traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey hide gelatin, falsely claimed to cure anemia, boost immunity, etc. (no scientific proof).
Scale of Slaughter: 6 million donkeys killed annually (may rise to 6.8 million by 2027).
China’s Donkey Crisis: Population fell 87% (11M in 1990 → 1.5M in 2023) due to overexploitation.
2. Global Supply Chain Exploitation
Primary Exporters:
Africa (51% of China’s imports): Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt (68% decline in donkeys).
South America: Brazil, Colombia.
Asia: Pakistan (donkey price surged to ₹2 lakh in 2024).
Illegal Trade: Despite African Union’s 2024 ban, smuggling continues.
3. Socio-Economic Impact
Livelihood Loss: Donkeys are crucial for transport, agriculture, and women’s labor in poor communities.
Gender Disparity:
Girls drop out of school (e.g., Ghana) to replace donkey labor.
Women forced into manual work after donkey thefts.
Price Surge: Donkey costs doubled in Kenya (2016-2019), making them unaffordable for farmers.
4. Ecological & Ethical Concerns
Zoonotic Disease Risk: Unregulated slaughterhouses spread diseases.
Biodiversity Threat: Donkey populations collapsing in Africa, South America.
Ethical Violation: Pregnant, injured donkeys slaughtered inhumanely.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims & Mains)
Prelims Questions (2017-2024)
Q1. Which of the following organizations released the report ‘Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Future’? (2024)
A) WWF
B) Donkey Sanctuary
C) PETA
D) UNEP
Answer: B
Explanation: The Donkey Sanctuary (U.K.-based NGO) published this report on Ejiao trade’s impact.
Q2. Consider the following statements about Ejiao: (2023)
It is derived from donkey milk.
China’s demand has caused sharp declines in global donkey populations.
It is scientifically proven to cure cancer.
Which statements are correct?
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 3
D) None
Answer: B
Explanation:
Ejiao comes from donkey hides, not milk.
No scientific proof for medical claims.
Mains Questions (GS-II, III, IV)
Q1. "The Ejiao trade reflects the dark side of globalization." Critically analyze. (GS-III)
Approach:
Economic Exploitation: Poor nations supply donkeys, China profits.
Ecological Cost: Species depletion, zoonotic risks.
Ethical Angle: Animal cruelty vs. cultural practices.
Q2. "Sustainable development cannot ignore animal welfare." Discuss in the context of the donkey hide trade. (GS-IV Ethics)
Approach:
SDG 15 (Life on Land): Biodiversity protection.
Ethical Dilemma: Traditional medicine vs. cruelty.
Solutions: Ban alternatives (cell-based gelatin), stricter CITES enforcement.
Government & International Measures
| Policy | Impact | Loopholes |
|---|---|---|
| African Union Ban (2024) | Bans donkey exports | Weak enforcement, smuggling persists |
| CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) | Regulates wildlife trade | Donkeys not listed, so no protection |
| India’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 | Penalizes animal cruelty | Rarely enforced for livestock |
Way Forward (Solutions for UPSC Answers)
Global Advocacy
Include donkeys in CITES to regulate trade.
UN must address this under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).
Alternative Solutions
Lab-grown gelatin to replace Ejiao (like synthetic leather).
Awareness campaigns in China debunking Ejiao myths.
Local Livelihood Protection
Compensation funds for families losing donkeys.
Microfinance schemes to replace donkey-dependent labor.
Ethical Consumerism
Boycott Ejiao products (e.g., Alibaba, Amazon listings).
CSR initiatives by pharma companies for alternatives.
Conclusion
The Ejiao crisis is a microcosm of unsustainable globalization, exposing:
Animal cruelty masked as tradition.
Exploitation of poor nations for luxury demand.
Failure of international frameworks (CITES, UNEP).
For UPSC Aspirants:
Use this case study in Essays (Environment, Ethics).
Link to China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) exploiting Africa.
Discuss India’s stance (should we ban donkey exports?).
Follow Suryavanshi IAS for more UPSC-focused analyses!
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