The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries of Tanzania, in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy and key industry stakeholders, has launched a Poultry Curriculum Assessment Project aimed at modernizing the country’s poultry sector.
The initiative, led by the Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) and supported by the Tanzania Livestock Training Agency (LITA), seeks to enhance poultry productivity through structured training programs for farmers, veterinary professionals, and industry stakeholders.
Poultry Industry Insights
Speaking at the project’s launch, TVLA CEO Dr. Stella Bitanyi highlighted that 96% of livestock farmers in Tanzania raise indigenous chickens, typically in small flocks of 20 birds or less. Despite this, their contribution to the national poultry supply remains under 20%, with the sector growing at a modest 2.6% annually.
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With egg production at just 2.5 billion per year and per capita consumption averaging one egg per week, there is a significant gap between supply and demand. Dr. Bitanyi emphasized that structured poultry farming can play a crucial role in food security, economic growth, and employment generation—especially for women and young entrepreneurs.
A Strategic Partnership for Poultry Development
John Mike Jagger, Economic Affairs Counsel at the Netherlands Embassy, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Tanzania’s poultry industry. He noted that education and skill-building are key to improving efficiency and making poultry farming more sustainable and commercially viable.
Johan Hissink, Project Lead at Aeres Training Centre, Netherlands, explained that the collaboration with LITA will focus on designing a modern, practical poultry curriculum that addresses challenges at both grassroots and commercial levels. The initiative will also prioritize vocational training for rural poultry farmers, with a particular focus on women and youth empowerment.
Veterinary Sector’s Role in Poultry Growth
Veterinary professionals will play a pivotal role in ensuring that poultry farming meets international standards. Experts believe that disease control, biosecurity, and improved poultry genetics will be essential for long-term growth. With rising concerns over Newcastle disease and avian influenza, this project can pave the way for better disease management strategies in Tanzania.
Common Myths and Harmful Practices in Poultry Farming
Dr. Pius Mwambene, CEO of LITA, emphasized that the poultry curriculum assessment will provide essential technical know-how to farmers and industry stakeholders, ensuring better disease prevention, improved feed management, and enhanced productivity.
Conclusion
With this collaboration, Tanzania is poised to transition from subsistence-based poultry farming to a more structured and commercially viable industry. The veterinary sector will play a critical role in ensuring that the right policies, education, and disease management strategies are implemented for the sustainable growth of the poultry industry.