Eid al-Adha 2024: North Africa Faces Challenges | Drought & Prices
- North Africa is facing a significant sheep shortage, driven by climate change and economic pressures, as Muslims prepare for Eid al-Adha.
- The annual Muslim festival commemorates the Quranic story of Ibrahim, who was prepared to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
- In Algeria, frustrated patrons at a market near Algiers learned from breeders that prices had increased due to higher costs for animal feed, transportation, and veterinary care.
North africa confronts a critical sheep shortage, significantly impacting Eid al-Adha celebrations due to climate change and economic strain. Rising prices of livestock are creating hardships for families in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, where the religious tradition of sacrifice is central. Drought and escalating feed costs have depleted herds, forcing Algeria to import sheep, while Morocco considers alternatives. This complex situation highlights the interconnectedness of environmental factors and religious practices, as regional strategies are tested. News Directory 3 offers insights into how these crucial decisions are being made, and what the potential long-term ramifications will be. Discover what’s next for the livestock industry.
North Africa Grapples with Sheep Shortage as Eid al-Adha Approaches
Updated June 07, 2025
North Africa is facing a significant sheep shortage, driven by climate change and economic pressures, as Muslims prepare for Eid al-Adha. The rising cost of livestock is creating challenges for families in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, where the tradition of sacrificing a sheep during the holiday is deeply rooted.
The annual Muslim festival commemorates the Quranic story of Ibrahim, who was prepared to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. A sheep was provided as a substitute.Though, this year, the convergence of rising prices and dwindling supply is disrupting the tradition.
In Algeria, frustrated patrons at a market near Algiers learned from breeders that prices had increased due to higher costs for animal feed, transportation, and veterinary care. Slimane Aouadi, an Algerian doctor, noted that a sheep of similar size and quality cost $75 more than the previous year. With sheep prices exceeding $1,200 amid soaring inflation, many find the cost prohibitive in a nation where average monthly incomes are less than $270.
The potential disruption to this religious ritual is a sensitive issue, sparking anger over rising prices and economic hardship. In response, both Morocco and Algeria have taken unusual measures to address the shortage of sheep for Eid al-Adha.
Algeria plans to import one million sheep to compensate for domestic shortfalls. Meanwhile, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has urged Muslims to consider abstaining from the sacrifice, citing economic and climatic challenges.Local Moroccan officials have also closed livestock markets.
“Our country is facing climatic and economic challenges that have resulted in a substantial decline in livestock numbers. Performing the sacrifice in these difficult circumstances will cause real harm to large segments of our people, especially those with limited incomes,” King Mohammed VI said in February.
Economist Lotfi Gharnaout, from the University of Toulouse, estimates Algeria’s import strategy could cost between $230 million and $260 million, potentially without fully meeting national demand.
The shrinking herds are attributed to prolonged drought and escalating feed prices. Overgrazing, coupled with seven years of drought, has degraded forage lands. This has impacted both shepherds and farmers who rely on rainfall for animal feed.
Najib Akesbi, a Moroccan economist, explained that livestock farming in North Africa heavily depends on natural vegetation and rainwater. Consecutive years of drought and rising feed costs are depleting breeders’ reserves, as livestock serve as a crucial financial asset.
Acharf Majdoubi, president of Morocco’s Association of Sheep and Goat Breeders, noted that breeders are forced to spend more on supplemental feed due to reduced natural vegetation. The prices of essential feeds like barley, straw, and alfalfa have also significantly increased, with some tripling in price in Morocco.
“The future of this profession is very difficult. Breeders leave the countryside to immigrate to the city, and some will never come back,” said Achraf Majdoubi.
What’s next
As Eid al-Adha approaches, North African nations continue to grapple with the economic and environmental factors impacting livestock availability. The long-term effects of climate change on traditional farming practices remain a significant concern for the region.