Tanzania has strengthened its agricultural collaboration with the Netherlands through a new initiative aimed at modernising and expanding the country’s poultry sector.
The partnership seeks to boost productivity, sustainability, and technical expertise among local farmers, marking a new phase in the long-standing agricultural relations between both nations.
The commitment was showcased at a one-day Dutch–Tanzania Poultry Knowledge Exchange Seminar held in Dar es Salaam.
Organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the event brought together Dutch poultry firms, Tanzanian farmers, and key stakeholders to explore opportunities for cooperation and technology transfer.
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Tanzania, Marjo Crompvoets, said the partnership forms part of broader efforts to deepen agricultural ties that have spanned over four decades.
“As the new Ambassador since July 2025, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this knowledge exchange seminar, where our aim is to support Tanzanian poultry farmers in adopting sustainable and efficient practices,” Crompvoets said.
She noted that the Netherlands has established itself as a global leader in poultry farming through innovation and collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector, a model that could guide Tanzania’s poultry transformation.
Netherlands Embassy Counsellor Bart Pauwels emphasised that the seminar offers an important platform for Tanzanian farmers to engage directly with Dutch experts on issues such as feed management, animal health, digital technologies, and poultry processing.
“Tanzania has significant potential in the poultry sector. What’s needed now is access to the right knowledge, technology, and experience to bridge the existing gap,” Pauwels said.
He added that the collaboration is designed to help farmers increase efficiency and contribute more meaningfully to the national economy.
Secretary-General of the Tanzania Feed Manufacturers Association (TAFMA), Sufian Zuberi Kyarua, applauded the partnership, noting its potential to strengthen local feed producers and poultry farmers through knowledge exchange and exposure to international best practices.
“This seminar is a gateway for the development of the poultry sector in Tanzania. It allows us to gain critical insights that can enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of our farmers,” he said.
Kyarua also revealed that a poultry exhibition will follow the seminar, giving farmers and stakeholders additional opportunities to learn about the sector’s prospects, challenges, and innovation pathways.
From the Lindi Region, poultry farmer Zahor Abdallah Zahor described the event as an eye-opener for small and medium-scale farmers aiming to transition from traditional to commercial poultry farming.
“It’s about changing the mindset. With the right knowledge and tools, local farmers can adopt commercial farming practices that bring better income and long-term sustainability,” Zahor said.
While he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as limited access to finance, he expressed optimism that greater adoption of technology and international partnerships could unlock new opportunities for farmers.
The seminar follows the launch of a poultry curriculum assessment project by the Netherlands Embassy, in partnership with Tanzania’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and key industry players.
The project aims to improve training and productivity across the sector, underscoring a shared commitment to modern, climate-smart poultry development.
By fostering innovation, strengthening farmer capacity, and promoting sustainable practices, the Tanzania–Netherlands partnership represents a promising step toward achieving food security, job creation, and economic resilience in the country’s agricultural landscape.
Source: Daily News
Image Credit: Agroberichtenbuitenland
