Archive · 7 Jun 2025
North Africa Faces Eid al-Adha Challenges Amid Drought, Rising Costs
Eid al-Adha is a religious holiday where Muslims sacrifice sheep.
This year, in North Africa, it's tough.
Not enough rain has caused a drought, making it hard to grow food for the sheep.
This, plus higher prices, means fewer sheep are available, and they cost more.
Some countries are bringing in sheep from elsewhere, while others are asking people to skip the sacrifice this year.
This is affecting families, especially those with not much money, who can't afford to buy a sheep.
Drought and rising prices are causing sheep shortages across North Africa.
The cost of raising sheep has increased, impacting breeders and buyers.
Algeria is importing sheep to address domestic shortages.
Morocco's King urged Muslims to abstain from the Eid sacrifice due to hardship.
Prolonged drought has led to vegetation loss, shrinking herds, and higher feed costs.
- Who
- Muslims in North Africa, sheep breeders, and local officials
- What
- Challenges surrounding the Eid al-Adha celebration due to drought and rising costs of sheep
- When
- During the Eid al-Adha celebration
- Where
- North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia)
- Why
- Drought, rising costs of feed and other expenses, and shrinking herds are creating hardship.
- Cost of sheep
- More than $1,200
- Average monthly income in some countries
- Below $270
- Number of sheep Algeria planned to import
- 1 million
- Main cause of herd shrinkage
- Drought
- Price increase of barley and straw
- Three times