As Muslims worldwide observe the yearly Eid al-Adha holiday, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” top global wheat importer Egypt is set to receive a $500 million loan from the World Bank to help cushion the impact of the war in Ukraine on food and nutrition security. From Cairo, Hamada Elrasam documents worshipers as they prepare for the sacred Islamic festival in the shadow of deepening economic insecurity. Words by Elle Kurancid.
Egypt Prepares for Eid Amidst Economic Insecurity
1
Since Russia invaded Ukraine and disrupted global food and energy supply chains, Egypt’s Cairo Chamber of Commerce says consumer demand for meat is 50% lower than last year, with some livestock prices soaring by 30% or more. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
2
In accordance with the Islamic tradition of slaughtering livestock during the four-day Eid al-Adha festival, Sayyed, a father of three, says, “I’m buying meat to distribute among families who can’t afford it.” Cairo, July 5, 2022. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
3
Ali, a butcher, says, “For now, the market is flourishing, because most of these people didn’t buy any meat from me over the last month. They were saving up for the feast.” Cairo, July 5, 2022. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
4
Families wait for loaves of subsidized bread. The World Bank says its loan will finance a month’s worth of imported wheat for Egypt’s bread subsidy program, which supports around 70 million low-income Egyptians. Cairo, July 7, 2022. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)