Men abandoning farming in pursuit of lucrative edible rats

Most men in Alee trading centre in Abur Parish, Ayer, Kole and the surrounding area are turning to edible rats as a way of changing diet from local vegetables.

Dealers in the business have said they are reaping big from the business since the market is direct especially on Sunday evenings to people who frequent local drinking joints in the trading centre as well as those who come from as far as Teboke in Apac for the delicacy.

Engole Patrict and Ojok Bosco said they are getting as much as sh5000 for one edible rat and that one customer even booked it when it was still being prepared at sh500 a piece.

According to women New Vision talked to, most men in that area have started hunting the rats early in the morning and have abandoned garden work.

They said customers especially men find it cheaper compared to the usual delicacy, pork, which costs uo to sh10,000 a kilogram.

However, much as the business is booming, health officials have discouraged the eating of wild animals without testing their health.

Also, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) does not permit the hunting of wildlife.