RABAT, Morocco – As Morocco faces significant challenges with its sheep herds declining rapidly, King Mohammed VI has taken a noteworthy step by advising families to refrain from purchasing sheep for the forthcoming Eid Al-Adha celebration.
The decision comes amid pressing economic and climate-related issues that have made the traditional sacrifice and feast unattainable for many Moroccan families. Ahmed Toufiq, the kingdom’s Islamic Affairs minister, shared this message from the King during a broadcast on state television, Al Aoula. In his letter, the King highlighted the importance of acknowledging the current situation, where livestock shortages have resulted in soaring prices.
In the King’s words, “Carrying out the sacrifice amid these tough times will inflict real hardship on many, particularly those with limited financial means.” As the highest religious authority in Morocco, his stance emphasizes compassion for those struggling.
Eid Al-Adha, celebrated in early June this year, is a significant occasion for Muslims, commemorating a moment from the Quran wherein the prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, who substituted a sheep at the last moment. This holiday is observed widely from Senegal to Indonesia, with such deep-rooted traditions that some families have resorted to loans to afford sheep.
According to a survey conducted by the Moroccan Center for Citizenship, the cost of purchasing sheep and necessary preparation items has become a burden for many. Over half of the families questioned reported difficulty in managing these expenses, reflecting the strain placed on household budgets.
One major factor contributing to the increased costs is a prolonged drought in North Africa, which has been exacerbated by inflation affecting food prices. As grasslands diminish, farmers and herders are discovering that the rising costs of feed are placing additional strain on their resources. Recent reports from Morocco’s agriculture minister indicate that this year’s rainfall is significantly lower than the average of the last three decades, and livestock numbers have dropped by 38% since the last national census in 2016.
In response to these challenges, Morocco has turned to subsidizing and importing livestock from countries like Australia, Spain, and Romania. However, domestic sheep prices often exceed what is earned by an average household in a month, given that the minimum wage stands at approximately 3,000 Moroccan dirhams ($302).
This marks the first request to abstain from holiday feasting in nearly three decades and reflects the ongoing struggle many face despite Morocco’s development into a more modern mixed economy. Historically, similar requests were made during challenging times, including wars or when international financial mandates were in place.
Trade unions and activist groups have voiced their discontent over the rising prices of essential food items, arguing that government measures to control these increases have fallen short of what is needed. As the nation navigates these difficult times, the call from the King serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in the face of hardship.
