Senegal meat prices surge due to Mali crisis and transhumance, livestock professionals raise alarm

This surge is attributed to two main factors: the ongoing crisis in Mali and the seasonal transhumance of herders. El Hadji Bassirou Niang, president of the Regrouping of Slaughterhouse Professionals of Senegal Repas, highlighted that from May to August, many herders move their livestock to areas like Saloum and Tambacounda in search of pasture, disrupting supply. The crisis in Mali, a key supplier of cattle and sheep to Senegal, has also severely impacted the market.

Insecurity due to jihadism prevents Malian traders from accessing livestock and deters Malian herders from bringing their animals to Senegal, fearing theft. This scarcity has driven up prices, with beef now costing between 5,000 and 5,200 CFA francs per kilogram at slaughterhouses, up from 3,500-3,800 CFA francs. Mutton prices have also risen from 4,000-4,200 CFA francs to 5,500-6,000 CFA francs per kilogram.

Mansour Mbaye Madiaga, president of livestock and meat professionals in the Dakar suburbs, noted that these prices are unprecedented, impacting household budgets. Mody Ba, president of the Collective of Diamaguène Sicap Mbao Livestock Market Actors, also pointed to the high cost of livestock feed, with a 25-kilogram bag of hay now selling for 9,000 CFA francs, compared to 2,000 CFA francs previously. The Association of Consumers of Senegal Ascosen is urging the state to int