300% Rise In Animal Feed Costs Forces Thousands Of Jordanians To Dump Livestock Into Buyer's Market

[hatrack]

Amman] Abu Jihad, 62, drives his dilapidated Toyota pickup around the petrified desert of Jezeh, a stone’s throw from Amman International Airport, as he desperately tries to eke out a living by raising his small herd, but it’s getting more difficult every day. Wrinkles have turned into cracks in Abu Jihad's brown rugged face, burnt by the scorching sun and chiseled by the daily sandstorms.

Now, with the recent wave of high prices, the very animals, which a few weeks ago were his only source of bread and butter, have become a burden on Abu Jihad's shoulders. Abu Jihad plants a small plot of land to provide for his animals, but it is not enough for the entire year. He has to buy animal feed from the market, which had, until now, been fine by him.

But a 300-percent rise in the price of animal feed means Abu Jihad can no longer afford to keep his animals. In his house, turned into a vibrant oasis, Abu Jihad lives with an army of 24 grandchildren. They keep company with three cows, 20 goats and a few chickens that can barely provide enough eggs for the hungry children. "The moment I get someone to buy the animals, I will sell. I cannot afford to keep them. I am putting out money from my pocket for them, while they were supposed to help me feed my family."

Thousands of villagers across Jordan, who solely depend on domestic animals, a cow or two and a few goats, have been forced to part with their animals. Many more herders are desperate to sell their animals, but there are no buyers. Latest figures show prices of livestock have plummeted by 18% as hundreds of herders try to sell their animals.

EDIT

http://www.themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=19011

On edit: spelllging

[Mojorabbit]

1. I wonder if

we will see this all over due to the increase as grain is used for ethanol.