TZ, Netherlands launch poultry project
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy in Dar es Salaam and key farming stakeholders, has launched a poultry curriculum assessment project aimed at enhancing efficiency and increasing productivity in Tanzania’s poultry farming sector.
During the project launch in Dar es Salaam yesterday, 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, explained that the project seeks to create a roadmap for improving poultry farming’s contribution to the livelihoods of many Tanzanians.
Dr Bitanyi highlighted that 96 per cent of livestock farmers in Tanzania keep indigenous chickens, typically in small flocks of up to 20 birds.
However, these small-scale operations supply less than 20 per cent of the country’s poultry meat and egg demand.
“The growth rate of the industry is slow, averaging only 2.6 per cent per year. Egg production is under 2.5 billion eggs annually, with the per capita consumption rate being one egg per person per week,” she stated.
She noted that this consumption rate is skewed toward urban areas with medium- to high-income populations.
Despite the low per capita consumption, demand for poultry is high across the country.
Dr Bitanyi emphasised that poultry farming represents a significant opportunity for poverty alleviation, particularly for women’s empowerment and youth employment in the sector.
She further explained that the poultry curriculum assessment project is crucial for improving nutrition and food security in Tanzania.
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While the poultry sub-sector is growing rapidly due to the increasing protein needs of a fast-growing population, it still largely operates informally and traditionally.
She added, “This project will help transition poultry farming into a more structured, sustainable industry.”
On his part, the Netherlands Embassy’s Counsel for Economic Affairs John Mike Jagger, expressed the embassy’s excitement about the project, noting that it would fast-track the development of the poultry sub-sector in Tanzania.
“The Tanzanian poultry sector holds immense potential, driven by rising demand for protein in a growing population. Yet, much of poultry farming still operates informally, with many farmers transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming,” Jagger said.
He further noted that the poultry curriculum assessment project would offer exciting opportunities to equip farmers with the necessary knowledge, training, and skills to enhance productivity and address unemployment.
“Investing in education and skills development is key to improving efficiency, productivity and the long-term sustainability of the sub-sector,” he stated.
Johan Hissink, the Aeres Training Centre Project Lead from the Netherlands, mentioned that the collaboration with the Tanzania Livestock Training Agency (LITA) would help identify and address the challenges faced by the Tanzanian poultry sector.
“We are here to help develop a curriculum that addresses the challenges of the poultry sub-sector, from vocational training centres to grassroots farmers, especially those in rural areas, including women and young farmers,” Hissink said.
Dr Pius Mwambene, CEO of LITA, explained that the poultry curriculum assessment project would provide farmers and stakeholders with the technical know-how and skills needed for efficient poultry production.
