Tanzania is taking a bold step to strengthen its poultry sector and support rural livelihoods with a nationwide free poultry vaccination program. President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the initiative during her campaign tour across the Lake Zone, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting poultry flocks, enhancing productivity, and boosting regional and international exports.
Empowering Farmers and Safeguarding Livelihoods
President Samia highlighted the poultry industry’s potential to uplift rural incomes, particularly for women and youth, who dominate smallholder farming. Poultry provides employment, nutrition, and reliable income, but frequent disease outbreaks, limited access to quality vaccines, and gaps in technical knowledge have constrained growth.
The free vaccine program aims to ensure all farmers, regardless of scale, can protect their flocks, increase yields, and improve profitability. Complementing this effort, 700 agricultural extension officers have been deployed nationwide to guide farmers on best practices, oversee vaccinations, and promote biosecurity, feed formulation, breeding, and disease prevention.
Linking Poultry to Broader Agricultural Development
This initiative is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Tanzania’s agricultural value chain. President Samia outlined plans to expand irrigation infrastructure, using water from Lake Victoria to enable year-round farming and reduce dependence on rainfall. Investments in the national water grid will ensure communities and farms have access to reliable, clean water.
The government is also focusing on integrated rural development, connecting the poultry program to improvements in infrastructure, health, education, energy, and transport — creating a supportive ecosystem for farmers.
Investments Beyond Agriculture
The Lake Zone has seen significant infrastructure and social investments totaling over Tsh 5.6 trillion. Key projects include:
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Transport: Rehabilitation of MV Umoja (capacity 1,200 tonnes) and construction of MV Mwanza to facilitate cargo and passenger movement across Lake Victoria.
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Healthcare: A five-story maternal and child health center at Sekou Toure Regional Hospital, expansions at Bugando Medical Centre, and upgrading Nansio Hospital to specialist status.
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Education & Skills Development: Three new vocational colleges offering practical, job-ready training.
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Rural Electrification & Roads: Expanding access to electricity and improving transport links to stimulate business growth in remote communities.
Driving Food Security and Export Growth
By combining free poultry vaccination, farmer training, and strategic infrastructure investment, Tanzania aims to transform its poultry sector into a pillar of economic growth. Healthier flocks, improved production practices, and modern logistics will strengthen the agricultural backbone, enhance food security, and increase export earnings — benefiting farmers and the national economy alike.
President Samia concluded her announcement by calling on Tanzanians to uphold peace, unity, and active participation in national development, emphasizing that collective support and wise civic engagement are essential to sustaining progress.
A Model for Inclusive Growth
Tanzania’s comprehensive plan demonstrates how targeted agricultural interventions, combined with infrastructure and social investments, can empower farmers, boost exports, and drive inclusive economic growth. By safeguarding poultry health and enhancing productivity, the nation is poised to position itself as a leading agricultural exporter in East Africa.
