Locally-sourced poultry feed formula empowering Tanzanian farmers

In a relief for farmers when it comes to tackling huge feed expenses, White Frank of Afrimix Animal Feeds has developed a locally-sourced poultry feed formula that can cut production costs by 20 per cent

The innovation comes after a decade-long experiment that resulted in a cost-effective formulation for broiler chickens to reach market weights.

While established poultry feed brands currently retail for between 80,000 and 110,000 Tanzanian shillings per bag, depending on category and quality, Afrimix is aiming to launch its products in the price range of 70,000 and 75,000 shillings per bag. The strategy centers on maintaining quality while making feed more affordable for both small-scale and commercial producers.

Comprised largely on locally sourced ingredients, the feed formula empowers farmers by eliminating expensive commercial and imported inputs. Coming at a time when rising costs pose a challenge, this is a win for the industry as a whole.

Frank’s research has received scientific acknowledgement as product development was supported by an initial grant of US$5,700 through the MAKISATU programme coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Researchers from Sokoine University of Agriculture were also involved in developing the new formulation, which helped broiler chickens reach market weights of between 1.5 and 2 kilograms within commercially acceptable periods, declining production costs by approximately 20 per cent compared to conventional feeding systems. 

According to Frank, weight-based pricing would motivate farmers to adopt innovations that enhance productivity.

The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ambassador Bashiru Ally recently announced that the country now operates 27 poultry breeding farms, including 25 parent-stock farms and two grandparent-stock farms, alongside 28 hatcheries.

Afrimix's next goal is to attain commercial production in collaboration with the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology. Frank has identified that more than half of Tanzania’s poultry feed market remains untapped, which can be leveraged by local manufacturers. The company plans to begin distribution in Dar es Salaam, Coast Region, and Morogoro before expanding to Dodoma, Singida, Kilimanjaro, and Arusha.