There won’t be anything resembling the recent Eid celebrations in Mali this year. The cost of animals has significantly increased in livestock markets near the capital Bamako. Consumers and butchers are both being charged more than 500 EUR per cow. Not long ago, the same amount would buy you two animals.
“The rural areas are where livestock prices are highest. Also, there are maintenance expenses. It is now impossible to carry livestock while walking. You must immediately secure transportation. This involves paying for loading and unloading, and buying cattle feed, which is highly expensive. Everything matters, “stated herder Oumar Sangaré.
Islamist violence in Mali has also hit cattle herding areas, forcing farmers to abandon their trade. Climate change too has led to competition for grazing lands and water, leading to intercommunal conflicts. The result, increased costs for breeders.
“Since 2pm, we have been here to buy a cow. We’ve even been looking for calves, and at the moment they’re between 200,000 and 350,000 CFA francs (between 300 and 530 euros). At the moment, the sum we have is 300,000,” said Sinè Diawara, a customer.
Muslim faithful in Mali say inflation has dampened the mood of this year’s festivities. They want authorities to intervene to bring down prices.
