By Tallam Collins( Poultry News Africa Writer)
Some reasons, including population growth, urbanization, rising incomes, shifting dietary preferences, government assistance, and technological developments, are contributing to Tanzania’s poultry industry’s steady rise. This growth trajectory presents opportunities and challenges for stakeholders while highlighting the poultry sector’s critical role in addressing the nation’s protein demands.
Tanzania’s continually growing population is one of the main factors propelling the growth of the poultry sector in the nation. The demand for goods high in protein, such as chicken meat and eggs, is rising due to the growing population. This demand is further enhanced by urbanization since metropolitan regions generally have greater consumption rates as a result of changing lifestyles and rising spending power.
The demand for poultry products has been significantly fueled by Tanzanians’ rising affluence. People are more likely to be able to purchase higher-quality protein sources when their disposable income rises, which will enhance the nation’s consumption of chicken meat and eggs.
Furthermore, eating more chicken than red meat has become more popular as dietary preferences have shifted toward healthier options. Because of its lower fat level and other nutritional advantages, poultry meat is frequently thought of a healthier option. The evolution of consumer tastes has encouraged Tanzania’s poultry industry’s expansion.
The growth of the chicken industry has been greatly aided by government programs and subsidies. The government wants to increase productivity, enhance the level of quality of chicken products, and make it easier for farmers to reach markets through infrastructural improvements, training programs, and subsidies. These kinds of programs foster an atmosphere where chicken growers can prosper and help the nation achieve its food security objectives.
Additionally, investments made in the use of technology have resulted in notable improvements in the methods used in chicken farming. Poultry production has been more productive and efficient thanks to modern technologies like better breeds, effective feed formulas, and biosecurity controls. These developments enable farmers to sustainably supply the growing market for poultry products.
However, Tanzania’s poultry sector faces a number of difficulties in spite of the encouraging growth potential. Epidemics, scarce funding and inputs, poor infrastructure, and obstacles to market access are still major issues that must be resolved. In order to maintain the poultry industry’s growth and competitiveness, efforts must be made to address these issues.
To satisfy different production needs, Tanzania raises a variety of chicken breeds. In Tanzania, some of the popular breeds of chicken are listed below:
- Kuroiler: By blending native chicken kinds with exotic chicken breeds, the Kuroiler breed developed as a dual-purpose chicken. It is well-liked by Tanzanian smallholder farmers for both meat and egg production due to its quick growth rate, high egg production, and excellent meat quality.
- Native Breeds: Tanzania is home to a variety of native chicken breeds that have been adapted to the climate. These breeds are prized for their resilience in hostile conditions and their capacity to support rural communities financially and nutritionally. They are frequently raised in traditional free-range systems.
- Improved Dual-Purpose Breeds: Tanzanian smallholder farmers can raise improved dual-purpose chicken breeds, such as the Kuroiler, which offers a balance between producing eggs and meat.
- 4. Layers:Layer breeds are frequently employed in industrial egg production operations since they are specially bred for producing eggs. These breeds are chosen based on how well they lay eggs and how well they convert feed into eggs.
- Broilers: Raised in intense environments for quick growth and effective meat conversion, broilers are specifically developed for meat production. Tanzania is seeing an increase in the production of commercial broilers, especially in urban areas, in order to supply the rising demand for poultry meat.
It’s important to bear in mind that selecting a breed of chicken depends on a variety of factors including available resources, market demand, production goals, and environmental concerns.
Tanzania’s poultry industry is an essential aspect of the country’s agricultural landscape, offering opportunities for economic expansion, employment creation, and food security. With the right policies, investments, and initiatives, the industry may realize its full potential and significantly contribute to Tanzania’s economic and social growth agenda.
