As a result, only 12, instead of the usaul 1,500 cows, were slaughtered in a week following the increase from 6,300 FCFA to 8,300 FCFA per cow.

Butchers and middlemen in Douala are angry over the increase of slaughter fee from 6,300 FCFA to 8,300 FCFA. They manifested their anger after the board meeting of Société de Développement et d’Exploitation des Productions Animales (SODEPA), approved the decision that took effect from January 1, 2016.

According to the Director of the Douala Slaughterhouse, Amadou Bitang, since the creation of the slaughterhouse in 1985, the slaughter fee has been 6,300 FCFA even when a kilogramme of beef was cheaper. “Since the Yaounde Slaughterhouse, also controlled by SODEPA, increased slaughter fee about 10 years back, we thought it wise to do the same. We attempted in 2013 but didn’t succeed. During the last board meeting, we approved the decision that took effect on January 1, 2016” the Director explained.

 Before giving their nod to the measure, stakeholders, including middlemen and butchers, insisted that the slaughterhouse be rehabilitated and worn-out equipment replaced before the increase. After heeding their demands, according to Amadou Bitang, the stakeholders refused to fulfil their part of the bargain.

Since January 2, 2016, butchers have vehemently refused to bring cows for slaughter until the 2,000 FCFA increase is dropped. Apart from 12 cows slaughtered on Sunday, January 3, 2016, Douala city dwellers now find solace in fish, pork and chicken that might soon witness an increase following the strike action. Normally, cows are slaughtered five times a week, which at times amount to between 1,500 and 1,600 cows. Though the increment is the immediate cause of the strike, butchers equally decry the collection of portions of meat by slaughterhouse workers after slaughtering.

The former slaughter charge of 6,300 FCFA shared between SODEPA (5,500 FCFA), veterinary/sanitation staff (500 FCFA) and Moslem religious leaders carry out the slaughter (300 FCFA). With the new charge, the amounts given to veterinary/sanitation staff and Moslem religious leaders will remain the same. According to the Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri, Naseri Paul Bea, a report has sent to the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, to look into the matter. He equally suggested that the increment be suspended for now, or the amount slightly added, until far-reaching solutions are obtained.