First dedicated plan aims to more than double chicken meat and egg output by 2036

Tanzania has unveiled its first national poultry development plan, setting ambitious targets to expand chicken meat and egg production and to strengthen every stage of the value chain through 2036.

Strategy Launch

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba launched the National Poultry Development Strategy (NPDS) 2026-2036 on 1 August during the Nane Nane agricultural exhibition in Dodoma. The document is Tanzania's first strategy devoted specifically to poultry and covers the full value chain, including breeding, feed production, farming, processing, marketing and trade.

Production and Processing Targets

The national poultry flock reached 108.2 million birds in 2024/25, up from 79.1 million in 2019. Building on that expansion, the strategy seeks to raise annual chicken meat output from 156,000 tonnes to 380,000 tonnes by 2036. Egg production is planned to increase from 7.1 billion to more than 17 billion eggs. Day-old chick production is to grow from 104.8 million to 250 million, while poultry feed output is targeted to rise from 504,000 tonnes to 3 million tonnes. The share of poultry products that undergo processing or other value addition is to move from less than 10% to 30%.

Feed Costs and Local Ingredients

Lowering feed costs is a core priority. The government aims to reduce feed costs to around 50% by increasing local production of key ingredients, particularly maize and soybeans. Soybean production is expected to increase from about 25,000 tonnes to 300,000 tonnes by 2036, and maize for animal feed is to double from 750,000 tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes. Support for farmers will include improved varieties, contract farming and better access to finance and storage. A de-risking fund of TZS 33 billion, about USD 12.5 million (EUR 10.75) , is planned to encourage financial institutions to provide loans for soybean production, inputs and storage.

Investment Across the Value Chain

The strategy estimates that around TZS 3.5 trillion, about USD 1.32 billion (EUR 1.14) , will be required over the ten-year period. Approximately 60% of this investment is expected to come from the private sector, with funding directed towards feed production, breeding, hatcheries, commercial farms, processing and other parts of the value chain.

Economic Contribution and Consumption

Poultry's contribution to GDP is targeted to rise from 1.8% to 3% by 2036. Annual poultry meat consumption per person is planned to increase from 2.07 kg to 15 kg, while egg consumption is to grow from 107 to 210 eggs. By improving local feed supplies, increasing chick production and expanding processing, the government aims to build a stronger and more competitive poultry industry. The planned rise in meat and egg volumes, a higher share of processed product and a sharp increase in feed milling capacity will enlarge Tanzania's poultry supply base and its demand for maize and soybeans.

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