Last month, a delegation visited Silverlands Tanzania Limited in Dar es Salaam to assess the progress and sustainability of the African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI), nearly three years after the program officially concluded in Tanzania in 2022. The visit provided an opportunity to reconnect with one of APMI’s most committed partners and evaluate how the initiative’s principles continue to thrive within local poultry farming systems. Silverlands Tanzania has remained steadfast in advancing the mission of APMI, which is designed to provide a sustainable, long-term business model that supports both commercial companies and smallholder farmers.
APMI was introduced to strengthen rural poultry value chains by linking small-scale producers with reliable sources of high-quality inputs, particularly improved breeds of dual-purpose chickens, and technical training. The initiative enables companies to tap into underdeveloped rural markets while equipping farmers with tools to boost productivity, income, and food security. During the recent visit, Stewart Brodnick, Managing Director of Silverlands Tanzania, emphasized that APMI has become an integral part of the company’s operations. He noted that their ongoing collaboration with rural farmers has built a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances poultry production and ensures consistent supply chains across Tanzania.
Silverlands’ strategy relies on recruiting and supporting village-based agents, who act as the company’s primary link with local chicken farmers. Silverlands provides these agents with improved chicks, training, and feed, which they then sell to local farmers. This methodology has boosted product delivery efficiency and developed confidence in rural communities, making the chicken industry more inclusive and profitable. As a result, many rural households, particularly those led by women, have seen considerable increases in their income. Farmers now have improved access to resilient and productive varieties, allowing them to rear poultry that not only meets household nutritional needs but also earns revenue through local sales.
The legacy of APMI in Tanzania is clearly visible in the growing number of smallholder farmers who are adopting more structured poultry practices. Brodnick shared that the model has scaled sustainably because it addresses key gaps in the rural poultry sector—namely, access to quality inputs, veterinary care, and market linkages. Through continued investment in farmer training and supply chain infrastructure, Silverlands has maintained the momentum of the APMI approach, proving that it is possible to blend social impact with business viability.
Furthermore, Silverlands’ experience has become a blueprint for how agribusinesses can work hand in hand with development initiatives to foster inclusive economic growth. By aligning their business goals with APMI’s rural empowerment agenda, the company continues to create value across the poultry ecosystem in Tanzania. The results are compelling: more resilient farming communities, improved rural economies, and a poultry sector that is increasingly driven by local innovation and ownership.
The African Poultry Multiplication Initiative’s foundational work in Tanzania continues to yield tangible benefits for both private sector players and rural households. Silverlands Tanzania’s dedication to sustaining the initiative’s principles showcases how transformative partnerships can endure beyond project lifecycles, ensuring long-term impact in the lives of smallholder poultry farmers across the country.
