TUNIS — Saber, who owns a small farm in Tunisia’s northern town of Testour, shrugs as he looks at his 12 unsold sheep at an open-air cattle market outside Tunis. He is one of many sheep vendors in Tunisia who are struggling ahead of Eid al-Adha, expected on Wednesday, to make a living as inflation soars in the north African country.
"This is the worst year for business," Saber told Al-Monitor while manning his modest stand, juggling inquiries from a few potential buyers before they continue their search. “The prices are higher and people can’t afford sheep anymore.”
“I came all the way from Testour [80 kilometers west of Tunis] and today will be my last day,” he said. “I’ll take the rest of my sheep to the slaughterhouse and go home.”
Days before Eid al-Adha — Islam’s most important holiday that marks the end of the haj pilgrimage season — Saber is one of many farmers who are having a harder time than usual in selling their cattle. During Eid, Muslims observe the tradition of slaughtering an animal, typically a mature sheep, which gives sellers a steady stream of business. However, this year's economic crisis has taken a toll on everyday Tunisians, making it increasingly challenging for them to afford such a luxury.
