Experts: Eid al-Adha cancellation to lower meat prices, support livestock recovery

The cancellation of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations, while posing short-term challenges for seasonal businesses, is expected to strengthen the national economy and promote sustainable livestock management, according to economic experts.

The decision comes amid rising living costs and financial strain on Moroccan households. Economist Mohammed Jedri noted that Morocco’s livestock herd has shrunk by more than 38%, lacking sufficient time to recover.

“Years of drought and continued Eid sacrifices have prevented the livestock population from returning to pre-pandemic levels,” Jedri told Hespress English. Suspending the Eid sacrifice, he explained, will ease financial pressure on families struggling with high meat prices, as they will no longer need to purchase livestock for the occasion.

Hicham El Jouabri, regional secretary of wholesale red meat traders in Casablanca-Settat, predicted that the royal decision would lead to a gradual drop in meat prices by reducing demand on an already strained livestock market.

The move is also expected to push those stockpiling sheep for Eid al-Adha to sell them for regular consumption, making meat more accessible. “Prices have already reached 120 MAD per kilogram and could surge to 200 MAD if the Eid sacrifice goes ahead,” Jedri warned.

Beyond economic factors, economist Mehdi Fakir highlighted that the decision allows the livestock population a much-needed recovery period, promoting long-term sustainability.

While seasonal trades such as animal feed sales, knife sharpening, charcoal vending, and other Eid-related services will feel the immediate impact, Fakir noted that these effects would be short-lived.

However, Jedri urged the government to support livestock farmers in maintaining their herds and ensuring profitability. Many breeders fear the decision will devastate their already fragile financial situation, as they rely on Eid sales to recover from economic losses caused by drought.

“We’ll be ruined,” warned Al Ayachi, a farmer from Laarach, emphasizing that breeders have incurred substantial costs over the past months and cannot afford further losses.

He also warned that the decision could severely impact rural communities, potentially forcing some residents to migrate to urban areas in search of financial stability.