To address a nationwide sheep shortage ahead of Eid al-Adha, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced plans to import one million sheep, a move that has sparked mixed reactions.
North Africa has been grappling with a six-year drought, severely affecting multiple sectors, particularly agriculture and livestock production.
As Eid al-Adha - one of Islam's most significant holidays - approaches, the tradition of sheep slaughtering remains deeply cherished.
However, climate change has placed immense pressure on local sheep supply, driving prices beyond the reach of many households. In response, Tebboune has directed authorities to source one million sheep from international markets to meet the growing demand during Eid al-Adha.
The decision has been welcomed by consumers but criticized by local breeders, who warn of financial losses.
"As a livestock breeder, I cannot profit from this political decision taken by the President of the Republic. This will lead me to a certain loss as a breeder, and I do not know any other profession. This measure will eliminate this profession in Algeria," said Benaissam, a livestock breeder.
Meanwhile, the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade will move swiftly to secure imports, aiming to curb soaring inflation that has made essentials, including meat, increasingly unaffordable.
"The decision taken by the president will affect some greedy livestock breeders, as they used to sell sheep for 200 dollars, but now they sell them for about 600 dollars. Some of them do not pay attention to you as a buyer and treat you badly. When you go to buy, they tell you that the livestock has been sold. To whom? The market is empty. Unlike before, the commodity was available in abundance. The decision is appropriate. Rather, two million livestock must be brought in, not just one million," said Daoudi Karim, a butcher.
Algerian presidential order on sheep imports for Eid sparks mixed reactions
