The government has directed the Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) to tighten controls on livestock feed manufacturers, warning that poor-quality feed can undermine efforts to raise productivity in the livestock sector.
Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ng’wasi Damas Kamani said TVLA should strengthen inspections of feed-processing plants and ensure manufacturers comply with required quality and nutritional standards.
He issued the directive on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a visit to Harvest Point Limited in Dar es Salaam, a company involved in poultry farming, egg production, feed manufacturing and extension services.
Mr Kamani said stronger oversight should go beyond inspecting factories, with TVLA also required to provide technical guidance to manufacturers to improve the quality of feed reaching farmers.
“It is important for TVLA to inspect these factories and provide their experts with adequate training so that the feed produced is of good quality and can help farmers increase production,” he said.
The directive puts the quality of animal feed at the centre of efforts to improve livestock productivity, as feed quality directly affects animal growth, health and production.
Mr Kamani also urged private investors in the livestock and fisheries sectors to take responsibility for the quality of their products and strengthen training for farmers on better production practices.
He said closer cooperation between the government and private sector was necessary to expand access to extension services and improve the efficiency of support provided to farmers.
The government is also seeking to strengthen the poultry industry through the National Poultry Industry Strategic Plan, which has already been launched.
Mr Kamani said the strategy was intended to expand the poultry industry, increase production and productivity and create more economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people.
The poultry industry has become an important part of Tanzania’s livestock economy, with feed quality, technical knowledge and access to markets among factors that can determine the profitability of farmers.
During the visit, Mr Kamani also toured Tanlapia Limited, an aquaculture company involved in fish farming through ponds.
He commended the company for creating jobs for young people and providing extension services to farmers—support that has traditionally been largely provided by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
He said greater participation by private companies in extension services could help address gaps in reaching farmers with technical advice.
“The involvement of the private sector in providing extension services is important in improving efficiency and reaching more farmers,” he said.
Mr Kamani assured investors and other stakeholders that the government would continue working with them to improve the delivery of extension services.
He said the broader objective was to raise production, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen the contribution of the livestock and fisheries sectors to the economy.