Local butchers in the Gambia are at logger head with the Kanifing municipal
officials over the price of meat.  The butchers went on strike following
moves by the council to impose prices on them,  which they considered as
totally unacceptable and uncalled for.  The butchers are being blamed for
the high prces  for meat in the country. The price for meat had increased
over 100 percent, which makes it difficult for poverty stricken Gambians to
afford.

The butcher said the price hikes are beyond their control and it would be
wrong for any government agent to impose prices on them.  Sources from
Banjul, say KMC officials issued a  decree urging the local butchers to
comply with their new prices for meat or risked being evicted from the
market.  some butchers were forced to comply.   This they say was geared
towards protecting  their businesses.  But they intimated that they will
operate on losses.  The Gambia is witnessing a serious economic crisis.
Basic food commodities such as rice, sugar cooking oil had doubled in recent
times.  Farmers upcountry are complaining about acute food shortages and
malnutrition.

According to my sources many farmers cannot  afford one decent meal a day
and their stored food is running out.

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