In a rare move, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged families to abstain from buying sheep for sacrifice during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha festival. The kingdom's minister of Islamic Affairs highlighted economic and climate-related challenges that have led to a significant decline in Morocco's sheep herds, making the traditional sacrifice and feast financially burdensome for many Moroccans.
The King's message, delivered on state television, emphasized the need to acknowledge the current circumstances where livestock shortages have caused prices to soar. He expressed concern that carrying out the sacrifice in such difficult times would disproportionately impact vulnerable segments of the population, particularly those with limited incomes.
Eid Al-Adha, also known as the 'feast of sacrifice,' is a significant annual event in the Muslim calendar. However, the exorbitant prices of sheep have made it increasingly challenging for Moroccan families to participate in this tradition. A recent survey revealed that over half of the families in Morocco struggled to afford the costs associated with purchasing sheep and the necessary utensils for the ritual.
The spike in sheep prices can be attributed to a six-year drought in North Africa, which has led to inflation in food markets. The scarcity of pastures has reduced grazing space for livestock, driving up feed costs for herders and farmers. As a result, Morocco has seen a 38% decrease in sheep and cattle herds since 2016, prompting the government to subsidize and import livestock from countries like Australia, Spain, and Romania.
Despite Morocco's economic development and modern infrastructure, food prices remain a pressing issue for many citizens. The high cost of preferred domestic sheep often exceeds the monthly earnings of households, with the minimum wage in Morocco standing at 3,000 Moroccan dirhams ($302).
This marks the first time in nearly three decades that Morocco has called on its citizens to forgo holiday feasting, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the population. Activist groups, including trade unions, have criticized the government's response to rising food prices, highlighting the need for more effective measures to address the issue.
