Residents of Ati are facing growing concerns as poultry prices skyrocket, disrupting daily life and economic activities. The surge has left families, traders, and farmers struggling to adapt, raising alarms about food security and local livelihoods.

Empty cages and quiet markets

The central market in Ati is noticeably quieter these days. Shoppers now hesitate before the few remaining poultry cages, negotiating prices before often leaving empty-handed. What was once an affordable protein source has become a financial burden for many households. Over the past few months, poultry prices have climbed sharply, reshaping dietary habits and straining the budgets of consumers and small traders alike.

According to local vendors, a chicken that once cost between 6,000 and 8,000 FCFA now sells for 10,000 to 15,000 FCFA, depending on size and season. Guinea fowl and roosters have followed a similar upward trend, especially as demand peaks ahead of religious festivals and family gatherings. Prices for smaller birds have also nearly doubled, with some selling for up to 6,000 FCFA compared to previous prices of 1,500 to 2,000 FCFA.

Families forced to cut back on protein

For many families in Ati, purchasing poultry has become a rare luxury. The price hike comes at a time when rising living costs have already squeezed household budgets. “We used to buy chicken every week for the children,” says Amina Mahamat, a mother of five. “Now, it’s a special occasion. We’re forced to prioritize cheaper foods.”

This shift is not just about affordability—it’s also about nutrition. Poultry has long been a key source of animal protein for families across the Batha region. As prices climb, many are turning to less nutritious alternatives, risking long-term health impacts for their children.

Traders struggle with dwindling sales

Higher prices haven’t translated into higher profits for traders. In fact, sales have dropped as customers buy less or walk away without purchasing. “Even when we raise prices, our incomes don’t increase,” explains Issa Hassan, a poultry vendor with over a decade of experience. “Customers are scarce, and some leave without buying anything.”

Restaurants and street food vendors are also feeling the pinch. To manage rising costs, many have increased meal prices or reduced portion sizes, risking a loss of regular customers who can no longer afford their usual meals.

Farmers grapple with rising production costs

While consumers voice frustration over high prices, poultry farmers are dealing with their own set of challenges. Increased costs for feed, veterinary supplies, and transportation are squeezing profit margins. Add to that unreliable pastureland, seasonal water shortages, and disease outbreaks that can devastate flocks, and the situation becomes even more precarious. “Every month, our expenses grow,” says Abakar Abdoulaye, a local farmer. “We have to sell at higher prices just to break even, but profits remain slim.”

A ripple effect on the local economy

The impact of soaring poultry prices extends far beyond the market stalls. Transporters, feed suppliers, restaurateurs, and small shop owners are all feeling the slowdown. Some estimates suggest poultry sales in local markets have dropped by 20% to 30% compared to the same period last year, though official data is still pending.

Economists warn that when food prices rise and consumption falls, the entire local economy suffers. Reduced spending power among households directly affects the income of small businesses, creating a cycle of financial strain that threatens livelihoods across the region.

Calls for urgent action

Local leaders and community groups are urging authorities and development partners to take immediate steps to support the poultry sector. Key proposals include:

• Improving access to affordable poultry feed
• Strengthening veterinary services and vaccination campaigns
• Providing financial support and technical training for small-scale farmers
• Enhancing local production capacity to stabilize supply

These measures, advocates argue, could help increase poultry availability, stabilize prices, and safeguard food security in the Batha region.

A growing crisis

The surge in poultry prices in Ati reflects broader economic pressures faced by communities across Chad. Without sustainable solutions, this crisis risks deepening household poverty and slowing local economic growth. For many residents, the struggle to put nutritious food on the table has become a daily challenge—one that demands urgent attention from both local and national leaders.