Tanzania’s poultry sector is set to experience significant transformation following the launch of a poultry curriculum assessment project by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy in Dar es Salaam and key industry stakeholders. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and increase productivity, ultimately benefiting poultry farmers across the country.
Speaking at the launch event in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Stella Bitanyi, representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Professor Riziki Shemdoe, emphasized the importance of the project in shaping the future of poultry farming in Tanzania. She noted that the poultry sector plays a vital role in improving the livelihoods of many Tanzanians, especially given that 96 per cent of livestock farmers keep indigenous chickens in small-scale operations. However, these small-scale farms, often comprising no more than 20 birds, contribute less than 20 per cent of the country’s total poultry meat and egg production.
Dr. Bitanyi further highlighted the slow growth of the poultry industry, which expands at an average rate of only 2.6 per cent annually. Egg production in Tanzania remains low, with the country producing under 2.5 billion eggs per year. Moreover, the per capita consumption rate stands at just one egg per person per week, primarily concentrated in urban areas with middle- to high-income populations. Despite this, the overall demand for poultry products is on the rise, presenting a crucial opportunity for sectoral development.
With a focus on enhancing nutrition and food security, the poultry curriculum assessment project is expected to support the transition of poultry farming from traditional, informal methods to a more structured and sustainable industry. The project is particularly aimed at boosting employment opportunities for youth and empowering women, as poultry farming has long been a key driver of economic participation for these groups.
Representing the Netherlands Embassy, Counsel for Economic Affairs John Mike Jagger expressed the embassy’s enthusiasm about the project, stating that it would serve as a catalyst for the advancement of the poultry sub-sector in Tanzania. He pointed out that while Tanzania’s poultry industry has great potential due to the increasing demand for protein in a growing population, a significant portion of poultry farming remains informal. Many farmers are in the early stages of transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial production, and structured interventions such as this curriculum assessment project will be instrumental in equipping them with the necessary training and skills to succeed.
Jagger further emphasized the importance of education and skills development in driving productivity, efficiency, and the long-term sustainability of the poultry sector. By investing in knowledge and technical expertise, Tanzania’s poultry industry can significantly improve its production capacity and create more employment opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
Johan Hissink, the Aeres Training Centre Project Lead from the Netherlands, underscored the collaborative efforts between the Tanzania Livestock Training Agency (LITA) and other stakeholders in identifying and addressing challenges in the poultry sector. He noted that the curriculum development initiative would not only benefit large-scale poultry farmers but also grassroots farmers, particularly those in rural areas, including women and youth. The initiative seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for vocational training that aligns with the realities and demands of the Tanzanian poultry industry.
LITA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Pius Mwambene echoed these sentiments, stressing that the poultry curriculum assessment project would provide technical expertise to farmers and industry players, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to improve efficiency in poultry production. The project will ensure that poultry farmers across Tanzania can enhance their productivity, contribute to the country’s food security, and create a more sustainable and profitable poultry industry.
With strong backing from both the Tanzanian government and the Netherlands, this project marks a significant step toward revolutionizing Tanzania’s poultry sector. By focusing on training, skills development, and structured farming practices, the initiative is set to pave the way for increased poultry production, economic empowerment, and improved nutrition for the growing Tanzanian population.
