Eid Al-Adha Sheep Prices Soar in Morocco, Straining Buyers’ Budgets

It’s a tough time for heads of households scouring the sheep market in the run-up to Eid Al-Adha. Prices have skyrocketed and it’s not over yet. Even in the markets located in regions known for the quality of their livestock, prices are above average. In El Brouj and Guisser, near Settat, areas known for raising the sheep breed most prized by Moroccans, breeders and middlemen have already set up shop, hoping to do good business, reports Assabah.

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The sellers claim that this year, the herds put up for sale are smaller than last year’s. And this is what would explain the price increase. They are having a hard time convincing the buyers who come from all over the country, looking for quality sheep at a good price. So far, 5.8 million animals have been identified as part of the annual operation launched by the authorities to ensure a certain traceability of the animals.

The price increase is also justified by the high cost of animal feed. Morocco has experienced two years of drought, which has caused a scarcity of quality feed for the herds. Moroccans hope to see the situation improve so that they can fulfill this tradition within the limits of their means. But in the markets, sellers and breeders are not sure the situation will improve.