Rising poultry prices in Ati, Chad strain households and traders

Declining purchasing power and shrinking consumption

The surge in poultry prices in Ati has raised concerns among residents, traders, and farmers alike. With declining purchasing power and reduced consumption, the situation is threatening both food security and the local economy. At the central market, the usual bustling atmosphere has faded. Customers now haggle over a few remaining chickens and Guinea fowl before leaving empty-handed. Over the past few months, poultry prices have skyrocketed, disrupting dietary habits and straining the aviculture sector.

Poultry prices soar to unprecedented levels

Traders report that prices have nearly doubled. A chicken that once sold for 6,000 to 8,000 FCFA now costs between 10,000 and 15,000 FCFA, depending on size and season. Guinea fowl and roosters have followed the same trend, especially as religious festivals and family gatherings approach, driving up demand. This inflation is forcing families to reconsider their dietary choices.

Families forced to cut back on essential protein

For many households, purchasing poultry has become a luxury. The price hike comes at a time when the cost of living continues to rise, further reducing people’s purchasing power. “Earlier, we could afford chicken once a week for our kids. Now, it’s a rare treat. We’re shifting to cheaper foods,” says Amina Mahamat, a mother of five at the central market. This shift is directly impacting the quality of diets, as poultry—a key source of animal protein—is being replaced by less nutritious alternatives.

Traders struggle with dwindling sales

For sellers, higher prices do not necessarily translate into greater profits. Customers are buying less, and sales are plummeting. “Even when we raise prices, our earnings don’t increase. Customers are scarce, and some leave without purchasing anything,” explains Issa Hassan, a poultry vendor with over a decade of experience. Restaurant owners and grilled meat vendors are also feeling the pinch, forced to either hike meal prices or reduce portion sizes to stay afloat.

Farmers grapple with rising production costs

While consumers lament the high prices, farmers point to their own challenges. The cost of poultry feed, veterinary supplies, and transportation continues to climb. Add to this the scarcity of grazing land, water shortages during certain seasons, and disease outbreaks that devastate flocks, and the picture becomes even more daunting. “Our expenses rise every month. We have no choice but to charge more to cover costs, but profits remain slim,” says Abakar Abdoulaye, a local farmer near Ati.

Local economy takes a hit

The impact extends beyond families and traders. The entire local economy is feeling the strain. Transporters, livestock feed resellers, restaurateurs, and small-scale vendors are all experiencing slower business. Some estimates suggest poultry sales have dropped by 20 to 30% compared to the same period last year, though official data has yet to confirm this trend. Economists warn that when consumption declines, the entire economic chain suffers, affecting household incomes and small businesses alike.

Calls for urgent intervention

Facing this crisis, local stakeholders are urging authorities and development partners to bolster the aviculture sector. Proposed solutions include making poultry feed more affordable, strengthening veterinary services, launching vaccination campaigns against avian diseases, providing financing options for small-scale farmers, and offering technical support to improve local production. These measures could help boost supply, stabilize prices, and enhance food security in the Batha region.

A growing concern

The poultry price surge in Ati highlights the broader challenges faced by communities amid rising living costs. Without meaningful action, this situation risks deepening poverty and stifling local economic growth. For many residents, securing a balanced diet has become a daily struggle, making price control for essential goods a top priority for local and national authorities.