Summary
The move follows increasing demand for chicken meat, which has prompted many hatcheries and poultry farmers to shift from traditional local breeds to faster-growing improved varieties
DODOMA: PRIVATE sector stakeholders have launched a major initiative aimed at complementing government efforts to preserve Tanzania’s indigenous chicken breeds amid growing concerns over their possible extinction.
The move follows increasing demand for chicken meat, which has prompted many hatcheries and poultry farmers to shift from traditional local breeds to faster-growing improved varieties.
Experts warn that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s indigenous poultry genetic resources.
In response, the Dodoma-based youth entrepreneurship group Tusumuke has entered into a formal agreement with Mkojera Limited Company to supply thousands of local chicken parent stocks under the Poultry Production Transformation Initiative, implemented through the Livelihood Restoration Programme 4 (LRP-4) of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
The initiative is designed to empower households affected by the construction of the crude oil pipeline across 231 villages in eight regions.
Its primary beneficiaries are Project Affected Households (PAHs) that have been displaced or otherwise impacted by the pipeline project.
Speaking exclusively to this publication, Tusumuke Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Christopher Dioniz said the programme aims to help affected families rebuild and improve their livelihoods by strengthening food security and creating sustainable income opportunities through small-scale poultry farming.
“The project is designed to support households while promoting environmentally sustainable poultry production and safeguarding Tanzania’s local chicken breeds,” he said.
According to Dioniz, the initiative is expected to increase household productivity, improve profitability and enhance resilience, ultimately contributing to long-term livelihood stability and better nutrition for beneficiary families.
As part of the first phase, Tusumuke has already hatched and supplied 1,330 local chicken parent stocks valued at 12.6m/-.
The birds have been distributed to beneficiary households in Kondoa and Chemba districts.
He added that another 4,000 parent stocks, worth approximately 38m/- will soon be delivered to households in Singida Region.
“Mkojera Limited poultry experts are currently conducting field assessments in Kongwa to evaluate whether beneficiary families have installed suitable poultry housing facilities,” he noted.
Based on the findings, the number of parent stocks allocated to the households may be increased,” Dioniz explained.
He noted that the programme will gradually expand to other pipeline-affected areas, including Kahama, Nzega and Igunga, in line with the terms of the contract.
Dioniz commended the project implementers, saying the initiative will play a significant role in conserving and promoting the development of Tanzania’s indigenous chicken breeds while improving rural livelihoods.
He also revealed that Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba is expected to officiate the launch of the project on July 2026, in Singida Region.
