As Tabaski approaches, the Fatick livestock market attracts a large crowd of sellers and buyers looking for the perfect sheep to celebrate Eid al-Adha. In this main livestock market of the city, the atmosphere is already that of a major event: the bleating of sheep, the sounds of trucks loaded with livestock, and long haggling sessions punctuate the days.

Very early in the morning, traders from various parts of Senegal set up their livestock, hoping to make a good profit. But this year, rising prices dominate all discussions. Many customers are struggling to find a sheep that fits their budget.

The starting prices are around 300,000 CFA francs, whereas in previous years, some sheep were sold for as little as 120,000 or 130,000 CFA francs. This situation is particularly worrying for heads of households facing the general rise in the cost of living.

“Prices are really high this year. With family expenses, it’s becoming difficult to buy a sheep,” says Amadou Ndiaye, whom we met at the livestock market. According to him, finding an animal for less than 140,000 CFA francs is now impossible.

The same situation was observed by Ousmane Diop. After several hours of negotiation, he claims to have finally bought his sheep for 170,000 CFA francs. "The sellers are almost unwilling to lower the prices anymore," he laments.

From the traders' perspective, this price increase is explained by several factors. The high cost of livestock feed, transportation costs, and the difficulties associated with raising animals are particularly cited. "Before we even get here, we spend a lot of money feeding and transporting the animals," explains Assane Diouf, a sheep seller at the livestock market. In his pen, prices range from 150,000 to 350,000 CFA francs.

Despite the high prices, the livestock market in Fatick, located in the village of Niouwar, continues to see a large influx of visitors. On the eve of the festival, buyers remain hopeful of finding a sheep at an affordable price to observe this important religious tradition.