Just days before Tabaski, the muddy aisles of the Adjamé livestock market in Abidjan are alive with the sounds of tense negotiations between sellers and buyers. This year, however, the haggling is hampered by a harsh reality: the scarcity of livestock and the soaring prices of sheep destined for the ritual sacrifice of Eid al-Adha.
Ivory Coast, which imports nearly 75% of its sheep and cattle for this religious festival—approximately 350,000 head—is heavily dependent on livestock farms in the Sahel region, particularly Burkina Faso and Mali. However, supply chains have been severely disrupted for several weeks. Burkina Faso has suspended its livestock exports to protect its domestic market, following a similar decision by Niger in March. Meanwhile, Malian roads remain vulnerable to attacks and blockades imposed by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
A direct consequence: hundreds of animals remain stranded at borders or within neighboring countries. "I have 300 head of cattle at the border with Burkina Faso; it's impossible to get them in here," laments Assimi Barry, a sheep trader for four decades. The same situation is reported by trader Ibrahim Sow, who claims to have "150 head of cattle stuck in Koutiala, Mali," even though the transport costs have already been paid.
In this context of shortage, prices are skyrocketing. "A ram the same size as the one I bought last year for between 125,000 and 150,000 CFA francs is now selling for between 200,000 and 250,000 CFA francs," says buyer Kassoum Ouattara. "It's difficult. Even though there are plenty of sheep, the prices are high."
In the Adjamé market, some vendors are asking up to 500,000 CFA francs for the largest rams. After lengthy negotiations, many buyers leave with animals purchased at prices far exceeding last year's. This represents particularly high inflation in a country where the monthly minimum wage is 75,000 CFA francs.
Traders report that supplies are half what they were last year. "As soon as the livestock started arriving, the supply problems began to be felt," Ibrahim Sow points out. "Here at the market, I think the number of head of cattle is lower than in previous years."
In response to concerns, the Ivorian Minister of Trade, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, assured the public that nearly 165,000 sheep were already available on the national market, representing 47% of the estimated needs for Tabaski, and promised prices "for all budgets." Authorities also intend to boost local production, which currently covers only between 25% and 45% of national demand.
However, a major cultural and commercial obstacle remains: sheep raised in Ivory Coast are considered less imposing than those from neighboring Sahelian countries, which are nevertheless preferred by many families for this major celebration of the Muslim calendar.
