Written by: Hussein Ahmed

Before it reaches the markets Ivory CoastThousands of sheep have traveled hundreds of kilometers from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, in a long and arduous journey that has directly impacted their high prices this year, as the blessed Eid al-Adha approaches.

High prices of sacrificial animals in Ivory Coast disrupt Eid al-Adha preparations

In the livestock markets of the Agami, Anyama and Port-Boué districts of the economic capital Abidjan, buyers are watching for any possible drop in prices, although they are aware that rising transportation costs and taxes make this difficult.

These days, livestock markets are witnessing increased activity, with the voices of vendors mingling with the bleating of sheep under high temperatures, in a scene that is repeated every year as Eid al-Adha, or Tabaski as it is known locally in West Africa, approaches.

These markets are a key stop for Muslim families wishing to buy a sacrificial animal for Eid, whether it be sheep or cows.

Although the turnout has not yet peaked, many citizens are flocking to the markets to check and compare prices before the last few days, which usually see heavy crowding and an additional increase in demand.

Traders confirm that the supply is available in large quantities and at varying prices, but the purchasing power of citizens has clearly declined this year.

Prices of sacrificial animals in Ivory Coast

Trader Diarra Ahmed, known as Ahmed the Sheep, says the market is still in a wait-and-see phase, adding that many customers prefer to wait until the last few days in the hope of getting lower prices, while confirming that the market includes sacrificial animals to suit different budgets.

However, many buyers expressed their dissatisfaction with the current prices, which range between 100,000 and 1 million African francs per head.

Citizen Samassi Lamine explained, after touring several livestock pens, that the prices of sacrificial animals have become shocking, noting that a medium-sized sheep now costs more than 150,000 francs, whereas years ago it was possible to buy a good sacrificial animal for only about 75,000 francs.

Eid al-Adha sacrifices in Africa

For their part, market officials attribute this increase to rising transportation costs, municipal fees, and livestock care expenses, in addition to what they described as road complications in livestock-exporting countries.

Nevertheless, traders confirm that the markets are experiencing an abundance of supply, while buyers continue to search for the best possible deal before the holiday.