Morocco To Skip The practice of slaughtering sheep

In a letter on Wednesday, King of Morocco called on citizens to reconsider the traditional practice of slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha this year, citing a sharp decline in the country’s livestock population due to prolonged droughts. The announcement underscores the severe environmental and economic challenges facing the nation.

According to official statistics, Morocco’s cattle and sheep herds have plummeted by 38% since the last census nine years ago, a direct consequence of consecutive years of drought. Rainfall in 2025 was 53% lower than the average over the past three decades, severely reducing pasture availability and crippling livestock production. This has led to high inflation, with a surge in meat prices and increased reliance on imports to meet domestic demand.

To mitigate the high inflation crisis, Morocco has taken several measures, including suspending import duties and value-added taxes on cattle, sheep, camels, and red meat in its 2025 budget. These steps aim to stabilize prices in the domestic market and ensure accessibility for all citizens. Additionally, the government recently signed an agreement to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia to supplement local supplies.

The King’s appeal highlights the broader challenges facing North Africa, a region increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Prolonged droughts, water scarcity, and desertification have placed immense pressure on agriculture and livestock farming, threatening food security and economic stability. Morocco’s response to these challenges reflects a growing need for adaptive strategies that balance cultural traditions with sustainable practices.

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