Chad poultry prices rise: Ati market struggles with soaring costs

The poultry market in Ati, Chad, is facing unprecedented price surges that are straining household finances, squeezing local traders, and threatening food security across the Batha region. As costs spiral out of control, families, farmers, and vendors are struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Households forced to cut back on essential proteins

The impact is most acutely felt by families who rely on poultry as a primary source of protein. Once an affordable staple, chicken and Guinea fowl prices have skyrocketed, pushing them out of reach for many. A chicken that once cost between 6,000 and 8,000 FCFA now sells for 10,000 to 15,000 FCFA, while smaller birds have jumped from 1,500–2,000 FCFA to 3,500–6,000 FCFA. These sharp increases are forcing families to rethink their diets, replacing nutritious poultry meals with cheaper, less protein-rich alternatives.

“We used to have chicken every week for our children,” shares Amina Mahamat, a mother of five. “Now, it’s become a rare luxury. We’re cutting back wherever we can.” Her story reflects a growing trend among households in Ati, where rising living costs and surging food prices are tightening budgets and reshaping meal planning.

Local traders face shrinking demand and squeezed margins

Vendors at the central market of Ati are caught in a difficult bind: raising prices to cover costs but seeing demand plummet as customers cut back. “We’re not making more money even when we increase prices,” says Issa Hassan, a poultry seller with over a decade of experience. “People come, look, and walk away. Sales are down, and our margins are shrinking.”

Restaurants and street food vendors are also feeling the pinch. Many have had to raise meal prices or reduce portion sizes to stay afloat, risking a loss of regular customers in an already struggling economy.

Farmers grapple with rising production costs

While consumers protest high prices, poultry farmers are struggling with their own set of challenges. The cost of feed, veterinary supplies, and transportation continues to climb. Water scarcity, limited grazing land, and outbreaks of poultry diseases further strain their operations. “Every month, our expenses go up,” explains Abakar Abdoulaye, a local poultry farmer. “We have to charge more just to break even, but profits remain thin.”

Broader impact on Ati’s local economy

The ripple effects extend beyond poultry stalls. Transport operators, feed suppliers, restaurateurs, and small shopkeepers all report declining business. Economic observers estimate that poultry sales have dropped by 20 to 30% compared to previous years, though official data is still pending. The slowdown in one of the region’s key economic sectors is a warning sign for local livelihoods and food security.

Calls for urgent support and sustainable solutions

Local leaders and community advocates are urging authorities and development partners to step in with targeted interventions. Proposed measures include:

• Subsidized or affordable poultry feed to reduce production costs
• Strengthened veterinary services to prevent disease outbreaks
• Expanded vaccination campaigns to protect flocks
• Accessible financing options for small-scale farmers
• Technical training to improve local poultry production efficiency

These steps could help stabilize prices, boost supply, and safeguard food access in the Batha region—especially ahead of peak demand during religious festivals and family celebrations.

A growing concern for food security

The crisis in Ati’s poultry market highlights the broader struggle of Chadian households to secure basic nutrition amid rising living costs. Without decisive action, the situation threatens to deepen poverty, undermine local economies, and erode nutritional standards across communities. For many residents, affordable access to essential food items like poultry is no longer a given—it’s a pressing public priority.