At the Casablanca Fairgrounds on May 26, 2026, the annual Aïd al-Adha sheep market opened with prices significantly higher than last year. Vendors reported that a medium-sized sheep now costs between 8,000 and 12,000 Moroccan dirhams (MAD), an increase of about 20% compared to 2025.
The price hike is attributed to a severe drought that has reduced grazing lands and driven up the cost of animal feed. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture, the national sheep herd has declined by approximately 15% over the past two years due to the dry conditions.
Many buyers expressed frustration. 'I came with 7,000 MAD, but the cheapest sheep I found was 9,000 MAD,' said Ahmed, a 45-year-old father of three. 'I may have to borrow money or skip the sacrifice this year.'
Vendors, however, noted that demand remains strong. 'People are still buying, but they are more selective,' said Hassan, a seller from the Beni Mellal region. 'We have to charge more because our costs have doubled.'
The government has announced subsidies for feed and plans to import live sheep from Spain and Mauritania to stabilize prices, but these measures are not expected to take effect before the holiday.
