Morocco Faces Eid Without Sheep Amid Severe Drought Crisis

As Eid al-Adha approaches, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called on citizens to forgo the traditional ritual of sheep slaughter this year, citing a drastic 38% decrease in herd numbers over the last decade due to seven years of drought. This essential observance commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son, yet the drastic drop in livestock has forced the king to speak on the implications for those struggling financially. The government has resorted to importing 100,000 sheep from Australia as meat prices soar, while tax regulations on livestock have been lifted to ease financial pressure. Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari highlighted the prioritization of water resources for key sectors like industry and transport, leaving agriculture severely impacted as irrigation faces tight restrictions.

Morocco Faces Eid Without Sheep Amid Severe Drought Crisis

King Mohammed VI urges Moroccans to skip the traditional sacrifice of sheep for Eid al-Adha due to a significant decline in livestock caused by prolonged drought.

As Eid al-Adha approaches, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called on citizens to forgo the traditional ritual of sheep slaughter this year, citing a drastic 38% decrease in herd numbers over the last decade due to seven years of drought. This essential observance commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son, yet the drastic drop in livestock has forced the king to speak on the implications for those struggling financially. The government has resorted to importing 100,000 sheep from Australia as meat prices soar, while tax regulations on livestock have been lifted to ease financial pressure. Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari highlighted the prioritization of water resources for key sectors like industry and transport, leaving agriculture severely impacted as irrigation faces tight restrictions.