Morocco advises against purchasing Eid al-Adha sheep

In Rabat, Morocco, King Mohammed VI has taken an unusual step by advising families to refrain from purchasing sheep for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha, due to the drastic reduction in Morocco’s sheep herds. This message, delivered by Ahmed Toufiq, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, highlighted the economic and climate-related challenges that have made this annual tradition inaccessible to many Moroccans.

The King’s communication, broadcasted on Al Aoula television, described the duty of Morocco to recognize the circumstances leading to livestock shortages and surging prices. He expressed concern that participating in the customary sacrifice under these conditions could significantly harm low-income households.

Eid al-Adha, scheduled for early June, is a significant event in the Muslim calendar, marked by slaughtering livestock to commemorate the Quranic story of the prophet Ibrahim. Traditionally, this holiday is celebrated in various regions from Senegal to Indonesia. It is such an ingrained custom that some families even resort to loans to afford a sheep for the festivities.

An alarming 55% of families surveyed last year by the Moroccan Center for Citizenship reported difficulties in affording sheep and the necessary cookware due to the escalating prices. The strain on sheep supply is partly attributed to a persistent six-year drought in North Africa, exacerbating inflation in food markets.

The scarcity of pastures has driven feed costs up, making sheep farming increasingly expensive. Morocco’s agricultural minister recently revealed that rainfall levels are currently 53% below the 30-year annual average, and a livestock census indicated a 38% reduction in sheep and cattle herds since 2016.

To combat these challenges, Morocco has been importing and subsidizing livestock from countries such as Australia, Spain, and Romania. However, the cost of local sheep remains high, often surpassing the monthly earnings of many Moroccan households, where the minimum wage stands at 3,000 Moroccan dirhams ($302).

This appeal from the King marks the first instance in 29 years where Moroccan citizens are asked to forgo Eid celebrations. It is a stark reminder that food prices continue to pose challenges despite Morocco’s evolution from an agrarian society to a burgeoning mixed economy with advanced urban infrastructure. Previously, King Hassan II made similar requests at times of war, drought, and during periods of economic adjustment mandated by the IMF.

Various activist groups, including trade unions, have protested the rising cost of basic food items, critiquing the government’s efforts to mitigate price spikes as inadequate.