Exploring Chad's Potential to be the Major Exporter of Halal Meat to OIC Countries

Introduction

The Halal market has witnessed significant expansion in recent times and is estimated to exceed $4.96 trillion by 2030. The OIC member nations are the primary consumers of Halal products, especially meat. The majority of these countries rely heavily on imports to meet their Halal meat needs. There is an increasing curiosity in discovering fresh sources of Halal meat, with a particular focus on Africa. Chad, a country located in Central Africa without access to the sea, has been recognized as a promising supplier of Halal meat for the OIC countries. The purpose of this article is to assess the viability of Chad as a supplier of Halal meat for the OIC countries.

Geographical and Demographic Overview

Chad's geographical position in Central Africa offers a favorable prospect for the manufacturing and distribution of Halal meat to OIC nations. This country has common boundaries with six other African nations, specifically Nigeria, Sudan, and Libya, all of which are part of the OIC. The proximity of Chad to potential markets results in lower transportation costs, rendering it a desirable choice for importers of Halal meat.

Chad is an African country that spans about 1.28 million square kilometers. This country ranks fifth in size among the neighboring countries. The nation is located in the Sahel region, which is known for its dry climate and a combination of grasslands and savannas. The practice of animal husbandry is a vital component of the agricultural sector and has a substantial impact on the economic development of our country.

The Islamic faith holds a majority presence, with an estimated 55% of the populace adhering to its teachings. The remaining populace comprises individuals who adhere to either Christianity or animism. Halal meat producers can take advantage of the growing demand for Halal products in the Muslim market by targeting Chad's demographic profile.?

Halal Meat Production in Chad

The nation of Chad boasts a notable livestock populace, with an estimated quantity exceeding 94 million animals, encompassing cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. The traditional nomadic herding practices of pastoralists largely dominate the livestock sector of the country. The agricultural GDP is largely influenced by the livestock sector, which makes a substantial contribution of more than 30%. Notwithstanding, the industry remains significantly undeveloped, exhibiting suboptimal efficiency levels and restricted market penetration.

The informal production of Halal meat in Chad is predominantly for local consumption. The nation possesses a restricted quantity of contemporary slaughterhouses, with most of the butchering taking place in conventional surroundings. The deficiency of contemporary slaughterhouses has resulted in apprehensions regarding the caliber and security of the meat manufactured. Moreover, the absence of Halal certification for most of the meat manufactured in Chad has restricted its capacity for exportation.

Potential for Halal Meat Export

The Sahelian region's strategic location and abundant livestock population make Chad a promising source of Halal meat for OIC nations. The nation's livestock populace is predominantly underutilized, exhibiting suboptimal productivity and constrained market accessibility. Chad possesses the potential to emerge as a noteworthy Halal meat exporter provided that the sector receives appropriate investments.

To fully harness its capacity as a Halal meat exporter, Chad must confront several obstacles. The prevailing issues encompass the inadequacy of contemporary slaughterhouses, restricted market entry, and the dearth of Halal accreditation for the majority of meat products. To overcome these obstacles, substantial investments must be made in the livestock industry, with a focus on enhancing infrastructure, technology, capacity building, investment, and political stability.

1.????Infrastructure

The insufficiency of contemporary slaughterhouses poses a noteworthy obstacle for the Halal meat sector in Chad. The majority of the butchering occurs in customary environments, prompting apprehension regarding the caliber and security of the resulting meat. To tackle this issue, Chad must allocate resources toward contemporary abattoirs that conform to global benchmarks for sanitation and edibility. The implementation of contemporary slaughterhouses can enhance the efficiency of the industry through the mitigation of losses and enhancement of meat excellence.

2.????Technology

The use of technology in the livestock sector is limited in Chad, with most of the pastoralists relying on traditional methods of herding. The integration of contemporary technologies, such as enhanced breeds, animal healthcare provisions, and dietary supplements, can substantially enhance the productivity of the industry. Moreover, the utilization of technology can aid in mitigating the ecological footprint of the industry by advocating for eco-friendly methodologies.

3.????Capacity Building

Chad faces a notable challenge in the Halal meat sector due to insufficient technical proficiency and knowledge. To tackle this challenge, the nation must allocate resources toward capacity-building initiatives that cater to the diverse stakeholders within the industry. The programs ought to prioritize enhancing the competencies and expertise of pastoralists, abattoir laborers, and regulatory officials. Additionally, the programs should promote the adoption of best practices in the sector, including Halal certification.

4.????Investment

One of the major challenges for Chad to partake the Halal meat exportation is the lack of investment in the livestock sector. Chad's livestock sector has significant potential, but it requires significant investment to modernize and improve productivity. The lack of investment in the sector has resulted in low productivity, poor animal health, and low-quality meat.

5.????Political Stability

Chad's political instability and security challenges pose a significant risk to Halal meat production and exportation. The nation has experienced persistent strife and unpredictability, particularly in its northern territories, which serve as the primary hubs for animal husbandry. The security conditions prevailing in these areas pose a challenge for farmers to rear livestock and transport them to local and global markets.

Conclusion

Chad has the potential to become a significant Halal meat source for OIC countries. Due to its significant livestock population and advantageous location in the Sahel region, the country is a desirable location for importers of Halal meat. To fully actualize its potential, Chad must confront various obstacles, such as the absence of contemporary slaughterhouses, restricted market accessibility, and insufficient Halal certification for the majority of its meat products. To overcome these obstacles, substantial investments are needed in the livestock industry, specifically in infrastructure, technology, skill development, financial resources, and political stability. By implementing effective strategies, Chad has the potential to establish a notable presence in the worldwide Halal meat industry, thereby promoting economic growth within the country and the broader region.

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Abdul Azeez Ajala Luqman Zakariyah Mudathir Adesanya Msc Basheer Idowu Nuruddeen Mohammed Kamal Salasa Khalfan Abdallah, CIFE, CeZM, CSA, CeHBA, CWP Haamid Mulla Awal Suddeeq Nazeer Jaffer Nazreen Salie munzer ahmed SAKIRDEEN AJANI Deneba DIOUF Dilshad Parker HALAL Senegal Halal Food Industries (Export Abattoir) Ethiopia - Mubashir Jalili Nadeem Williams Ali Lutfi Halal C?te d'Ivoire Baba Yunus Muhammad Mohamed Djibril BELLO Yusif H?kim Dede Arifin Awal Fuseini, PhD Rizvan Khalid Tayeb Habib Romni Yusoff O'Toole