Why Tanzania's Commercial Poultry Farmers Must Unite Now More Than Ever, Case Study: Tanzania Sugar industry.

"The business owners have only two options, either stop selling sugar and let the government find another option, or industrialists have only two options, follow the government procedure, they cannot quit this job, .."we have protected them enough, in the sixth month in the budget session, I will propose changes to the law to liberalize the sugar trade, they will compete with foreign companies, we have protected these people for more than 20 years now, it's enough if they wanted to grow, they have already grown"

In the wake of Minister Hussein Bashe's recent press conference addressing the sugar crisis in Tanzania, a critical need for collaboration has emerged within the commercial poultry sector.

The aftermath of the el-nino rains in 2023 wreaked havoc on sugar plantations, resulting in a substantial shortage of sugar in the country. As a response, the government, through the Tanzania Sugar Board, orchestrated the importation of sugar by issuing permits to companies invested in the sugar industry to import at least 100,000MT of sugar.

However, the Minister's announcement of the intention to liberalize the sugar industry underscores a shift in strategy, indicating the lifting of protection for local sugar producers against global competition. (They will instead be incentivized to compete with global sugar producers)

While the sugar industry takes center stage in discussions, it prompts us to consider why the poultry producers in Tanzania should be attuned to these developments.

Drawing parallels between sugar and poultry products, envisioning local sugar-making companies as counterparts to those producing day-old chicks or processing poultry meat, and aligning the Ministry of Agriculture with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, reveals the interconnectedness of these vital sectors.

Both sugar and poultry products are integral to the daily lives of Tanzanians, and like sugar their supply and demand dynamics are influenced by environmental and external factors, it is the Government's wish to continue having their supply ensured to maintain food security.

Unlike the structured sugar industry where the sugar Board works with the government and Sugar producers to establish supply, and demand and regulate sugar importation in case of shortage, the commercial poultry sector lacks a comprehensive organizational framework, making it susceptible to vulnerabilities in decision-making and importation control.

In the event of shortages, the poultry sector currently lacks the organization needed to assist the government in understanding and coordinating demand, whether through importation or production.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, it becomes paramount for the commercial poultry sector in Tanzania to organize itself effectively.

This organization is crucial not only for addressing current challenges such as high input costs but also for proactively assisting the government in navigating unforeseen problems that may arise, akin to those experienced in the sugar industry.

Enter the Tanzania Commercial Poultry Association—the pivotal body aspiring to be the collective voice of the commercial poultry industry. By fostering collaboration and serving as a unified entity, The TCPA aims to aid the government in comprehending the poultry market and production landscape.

In conclusion, as we witness the evolution of the sugar industry, let it serve as a reminder of the imperative need to organize, through such proactive measures, the commercial poultry sector can play a pivotal role in preparing for and mitigating potential crises, safeguarding the stability and resilience of this vital industry.

By uniting under a common banner, we can influence policy, streamline decision-making processes, and ensure the stability of the poultry market.