POTENTIAL OF MEAT INDUSTRY IN

Y.N.Msanga Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries, Tanzania P.O. Box 9152, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

1.0 Introduction Tanzania has a large resource base of livestock that comprise of different species, breeds and types. The livestock resources include 18.8 million cattle; 13.5 million goats and 3.6 million sheep, 1.4 million pigs and 53 million poultry. Total land resource is 88.6 million hectares out of which 60 million hectares are rangelands suitable for livestock grazing, able to carry up to 20 million Livestock Units. The contribution of the livestock sector in the Gross Domestic Product is estimated at 4.7 % and contribution of livestock in the Agricultural sector is estimated at 30%. The contribution by different livestock products is 40%, 30% and 30% for beef, dairy and other stock respectively. As most of the small stocks are used for meat it adds to the fact that more than 60% of the products derived from livestock in Tanzania is meat. The contribution of livestock is not limited to its share in the total GDP but also play other important roles such as contribution to national food supply (meat, milk and eggs), and food security; acts as a source of cash income, employment and an inflation free store of value. It also provides manure and draught animal power thus contributing to sustainable agriculture. In addition, livestock play an import substitution role in the consumption of livestock products in the country. Main livestock species that are used for meat production in this country are cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, pigs and non-conventional animals. Of these, cattle are the most important as they produce most of the red meat and contribute 53% of total meat production. The estimated total amount of meat produced in the country in 2007/08 was 410,706 tonnes and the contribution by species was 218,976 for cattle, 81,173 for goats and sheep, 77,250 for poultry and 33,307 for pigs. An average annual increase of 3.4% has been recorded in the last five years.

2.0: Meat Production Systems The meat industry is one of the key components of the livestock industry having great potential for improving national income as well as living standards of people involved. Of these sources beef from the indigenous cattle is the main meat product in Tanzania. Importance of the indigenous stock is based on the fact that they can produce in poor feed and diseases conditions. However public and private ranches produce good quality animals for quality meat products

2.1 Beef production

Indigenous cattle dominated by the Tanzania Short horn Zebu (TSZ) and Ankole breeds are the main source of beef in the country. About 80% of the indigenous animals are kept in the agro-pastoral system, while 14% are in the pastoral system. The remaining 6%

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constituting beef breeds and their crosses come from commercial ranches and the dairy herd. Over the years commercial beef production was undertaken by Government ranches namely National Ranching Company (NARCO) which initially had 15 ranches and a total land holding of 630, 000 ha. Apart from these, government owned ranches, presently there are also some private investors and smallholder farmers who are engaging in ranching and feedlotting business.

In addition through a government initiative of promoting private ranching, NARCO has subdivided some of its ranches into 124 small and medium scale ranches (2000- 4000 hectares) capable of holding over 120,000 beef cattle and subleased to Tanzanian investors, retaining 230,000 hectares in 8 ranches, in addition to Ruvu and Kongwa which have been left as disease free ranches under NARCO management. This initiative is a potential additional source of quality beef for the domestic and export market. Factors that constrain development of the beef industry include low genetic potential of the existing stock, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate marketing system, prevalence of animal diseases, inadequate technical support services and weak livestock farmers’ organizations.

Strategies to address these issues have included research work on breeding (leading to development of the Mpwapwa breed), nutrition and general management, aimed at improving productivity of the national herd. Under proper feeding and good management the indigenous Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu female can produce one calf a year and steers can attain slaughter weight in 4 years. Other interventions include improvement of the marketing system, involving marketing infrastructure, grading and marketing information system. Another development is the promotion of the fattening of cattle through a feedlot system whereby noteworthy examples include the Mtibwa Feedlot, Glienshils Ranch (Morogoro), Sumbawanga Agricultural and Animal Feeds Industries (SAAFI), Manyara & Mzeri ranches and small scale livestock keepers in Mara, Mwanza and Shinyanga regions.

2.2 Sheep and Goat Meat Production Small ruminants (sheep and goats) contribute about 22% to the national meat supplies. The sheep and goat meat production activity is being practiced by about 30% of the agricultural households in Tanzania. As is for cattle the national sheep and goat flock is mainly composed of indigenous strains which are widely distributed and adapted to a range of agro-ecological zones. Their ability to multiply and grow faster than cattle, at a relatively low cost makes shoats more attractive to small-scale farmers. Despite these attributes, their production is constrained by poor nutrition, prevalence of diseases, low genetic potential and poor marketing infrastructure. The annual off-take rates are estimated at 29% and 28% and average carcass weight of 12 and 15 kilograms for sheep and goats respectively.

Strategies to increase sheep and goats for meat production have incorporated research including that which lead to the development of the Malya blended Goat, nutrition and

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general flock management. Development related interventions have included introduction and use of improved breeds such as Boer goat and Blackhead Persian sheep that have fast growth rate and high prolificacy. In addition extension programmes with emphasis on management (nutrition, housing, disease control and controlled breeding) have been implemented. The current objective is to promote commercial and sustainable production of sheep and goats to satisfy the domestic demand and penetrate the large and unexploited export markets.

2.3 Poultry meat production With regard to the poultry industry, this is divided into traditional and commercial production systems. Indigenous chickens are the main types found in the traditional system and comprise over 70% of the national flock, supplying most of the poultry meat and eggs consumed in rural areas and about 20% in urban areas. The traditional production system is performed by almost every rural household. On the other hand commercial poultry production is mostly practiced in urban and peri-urban areas and productivity levels are relatively higher. Majority of commercial poultry farms are found in Dar es Salaam, Coast, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, regions.

Production of day old Chicks on the other hand is carried out in hatcheries most of which are located in Dar es Salaam and Coast regions. Table 1 shows existing hatcheries and their capacities in Tanzania. A total of 28.7 million Day Old Chicks were produced in 2006/07 compared to 26.8 million produced in FY 2005/2006. As production of day old chicks does not satisfy demand importation becomes inevitable. In this regard about 782,550 chicks were imported in FY 2006/07 compared to 2.1 million which were imported the previous year. Moreover, 3.1 million eggs for hatching were imported in 2006/2007 compared to 8.4 million of 2005/2006. The decline in number of imported chicks and eggs is attributed to the imposition of an import ban as a result the of the Bird flu threat. Factors constraining development of the poultry industry are prevalence of diseases, poor quality feeds, inadequate technical support services, low genetic potential of the local breed and weak farmer organizations. Strategies to improve the poultry industry have included use of improved breeds for crossbreeding purposes, operationalisation of programmes to control diseases such as Newcastle Disease, promotion for the establishment of breeding (parent and grand parent) farms and hatching facilities The current objective is to increase quantity and improve quality of poultry and its products to meet domestic demand and export surplus to external markets.

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Table 1: The hatching capacity of existing hatcheries in Tanzania Name of Abattoir Production Capacity (in Region three weeks) Amadori/Pollo-Italia 160,000 DAR ES SALAAM Interchick 240,000 Twiga Hatcheies 120,000 Ideal Chiks 274,050 Kibaha E. C 180,000 COAST Ruvu KJT 30,000 Kiluvya Poultry Products 153,000 Mkuza Chicks 150,000 Tomato 9,000 Tanzania Poultry Farms 180,000 ARUSHA Hilacha 30,000 KILIMANJARO Kibo Hatcheries 60,000 CEFA/Matembwe – 30,000 IRINGA Njombe

2.4 Pig meat production Pig production for meat is currently becoming popular in many parts of the country. They provide significant contribution to meat supplies. Most pigs are kept in the Southern highlands regions where there substantial maize production. Majority of the pigs are kept in the traditional sector under a free-range system and only few which are more productive are kept under improved system of management. Small-scale subsistence farmers keep the majority of pigs as a backyard activity in mixed farming systems, mainly depending on forages and supplements. The performance of pigs in this system is generally low, as exemplified by the average slaughter weight of 50 – 70 kg at the age of one year. Commercial pig production is limited to a few farmers with a regular income, mainly to meet the high cost of concentrate feeds among other requirements.

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Inbreeding and lack of proper recording has caused problems within the existing pig population. Inadequate support services, poor quality feeds, poor slaughter and marketing infrastructure, diseases prevalence, cultural and religious taboo also affect the development of the pig industry. Strategies implemented over the years have included promotion on the use of improved breeds, crossbreeding and selection. In addition much research has been done and has mainly concentrated on feeding of locally available feed resources.

3.0: Processing, marketing and consumption

Production of livestock and livestock products in the country has mainly been for the domestic market. In order to facilitate the marketing of livestock and livestock products Tanzania has developed strategically domestic and export trade facilitating infrastructure. These include primary secondary and border markets, holding grounds, veterinary checkpoints and slaughter facilities including abattoirs. In addition there is a well- structured Veterinary Service that facilitates compliance with OIE and WTO/SPS measures. On average annual slaughters are estimated at 1,500,000 cattle; 2,500,000 goats; and 550,000 sheep and the current per capita consumption of meat is 11 kg per year which is very low, compared to FAO recommendation of 50 kg. With regard to livestock markets, there are over 300 primary, 13 secondary and 6 border markets in the country. While primary markets are run by respective district councils, border and secondary markets are under the Ministry. Processing of livestock products in Tanzania is generally limited. To date production of meat in the rural areas as well as urban centres is carried out in slaughter slabs using simple and basic facilities during slaughtering (with basically no cold storage) or in the few existing abattoirs. Currently there are only 6 small scale meat processing plants and 7 modern abattoirs in the country as shown in Tables 2 and 3.

Trade in livestock and livestock products have started but are still at an infant stage. Official exports of live animals to Comoro and Burundi in 2006/07 totaled 2,542 cattle and 1,852 goats valued at TShs 1.03 billion compared to 1,706 cattle and 800 goats valued at Tshs 675.9 million in 2005/2006. Furthermore, 92 tonnes of meat (goat, sheep and cattle) worth Tshs.352 million were exported to Kuwait, and (Dubai) countries in 2006/2007 compared to 6.8 tonnes in 2005/2006. Apart from this official trade there is also a cross border informal trade in livestock and livestock products whereby approximately 300,000 heads of cattle are reported to cross into neighbouring countries () informally annually. There is therefore a great need to strengthen monitoring of this trade in order to facilitate its formalization.

Processing, marketing and consumption of quality meat and meat products is limited by inconsistent supply of quality animals, inadequate market information, inadequate research and training in meat technology, low awareness of consumers on meat quality and lack of capital for investment in meat processing plants. Due to these deficiencies, some commercial companies import meat and meat products into the country to supply to

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niche markets in tourist hotels, supermarkets and mining centers. There is need to collaborate with other stakeholders in promoting processing, marketing and consumption of quality meat and meat products in order to meet nutritional requirements and increase exports.

Table 2: Existing modern abattoirs in Tanzania with their capacities Name of Abattoir Region Cattle Shoat Chicken Dodoma Abattoirs Dodoma 220 200 na Arusha Meat Arusha 300 na na Company Tanzania Pride Meat Morogoro 200 na 16,000 Abattoirs SAAFI Abattoirs Sumbwawanga 150 na na Mkuza Abattoir Coast na na 8,000 Abattoirs Interchick Abattoirs Dar es Salaam na na 3,000 Peramiho Mission Ruvuma na na Abattoirs Darakuda Abattoirs Manyara na na

Table 3: Existing meat processing plants in Tanzania

Name of processing Region Products Production plant meat cuts Billito sausage messy meat n Best Beef Processing Coast v Meat King Processing Arusha v Happy sausage Arusha v Processing CEFA/Boma la Iringa v

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Ng’ombe Village Co Arusha Meat Company Arusha v v v Tanzania Meat company Dar es v v v v Salaam Tanzania Pride Meat Morogoro v v v v Company SAAFI Rukwa v v v v

However, the country is facing challenges in international trade of live animals and meat products which includes: • Animal diseases outbreak has been hindrances to meet export trade requirement (especially Trans- boundary diseases such as FMD, Avian Influenza, CBPP, CCPP, and RVF). • The quantity and quality of live animals and meat products available at a particular time for marketing (for example Middle East (UAE) market requires sheep and goat carcass of between 12 – 20 kg of the desirable age with muscling and fat cover). • Market information and infrastructure • Presence of livestock traceability system as a requirement to access some markets as prescribed under WTO regulations.

4.0: Livestock Policy in Relation to Meat Production

The Livestock Development Policy of 2006 is aiming at developing competitive and efficient livestock industry that contributes to the improved well being of the people whose principal occupation and livelihood is based on livestock. In relation to meat production, the policy is emphasizing on increased commercially oriented, sustainable production of quality meat and meat products to meet domestic and external market standards. The policy further directs ways through which this objective will be implemented, these include; promotion of production of quality meat in large scale farms; genetic improvement through inventory, identification, characterization, evaluation and selection of indigenous breeds for meat production; encouragement and promotion of meat producer, trader and processer associations formation and strengthening; strengthen technical and support services in meat production, encourage establishment of standard slaughtering facilities and market infrastructure for meat animals, promote production of quality animal feeds and encourage utilization of locally available feed resources, encourage consumption of meat and meat products, promote investment in meat industry on production, processing and marketing of meat and meat products. From 1974 to 2000 there was no regulation mechanism in the meat industry there on the government in collaboration with meat industry stakeholders realized the need to revitalize the meat industry. In support to the development of the industry a number of acts and regulations have been developed to guide the development of the meat industry, these includes the Veterinary Act No. 16 of 2003, Disease Act No. 17 of 2003, and Meat Industry Act no. 10 of 2006. The Meat Industry Act gives directives for the development

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of the industry. The Annual Council and the Meat Board which are formed under to Meat Industry Act will be responsible in enforcing the Act. In collaboration with Tanzania Meat Board, the government will continue to sensitize investors in meat and meat products processing industries through formulation of policy and guidelines which give opportunity to private sector to invest in meat production, processing and marketing business (construction of infrastructures such as livestock markets, communication lines and important services like electricity and water). Such sensitization facilitated construction of a number of abattoirs that includes SAAFI (Rukwa), Tanzania Pride Meat (Morogoro), Arusha Meat Company (Arusha), Mkuza Poultry Farm (Pwani), privatization of Shinyanga Meat Processing Plant to Triple S Beef Limited and sale its 51% shares of Dodoma abattoir to NICOL. Furthermore the government is in the process of recruiting investors in five advertised abattoirs in the major livestock producing areas in Tanzania whereby Snowy Mountains of Australia (Ruvu), Rock Shield Foods (Kyaka) and Live Support Systems (T) (Themi - Arusha) are interested to invest in partnership with NARCO.

5.0: Modernisation of the Meat industry in Tanzania The main challenges that face the meat industry are the low genetic potential of the animals for meat production, low productivity of the traditional production system of and under developed processing and marketing systems. Among others the strategies are as discussed below.

Promotion of commercial production, processing, marketing and consumption of high quality meat As mentioned earlier most of the meat is produced under agropastoral system for ruminants and free ranging for poultry characterised by low productivity. As means of increasing productivity there is need of commercial ranching and introduction of feedlot systems. Commercialisation of cattle rising is done on NARCO ranches occupying 230,384 ha and 125 private ranches occupying 346,641 hectares which have just been established. Introduction of cattle feedlot system in three ranches owned by the National Ranching Company, two private ranches and cattle fattening units in the agropastoral system around Lake Victoria. In a commercial feedlot utilising crop remains, mollases and maize weight gains of 1.1 kg per day were achieved. Legislation to regulate quality feedstuffs is in the final stage of preparation. Animal feeds will be regulated to ensure standards are met for the purpose of production of quality meat, eggs and other livestock products. Livestock production in Tanzania is characterized by smallholding, hence limiting the size of meat produced and/or processed. In order to merge their resources and realize economies of scale, it is important for stakeholders to organize themselves into groups or cooperative societies to assist them in solving their problems in regard to inputs, technology and credit acquisitions.

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On the other hand the government is encouraging private sector to invest in livestock production and processing with an eye on challenges related to investment in livestock sector, which includes: • Inadequate financial support for local investors; the government is encouraging establishment of SACCOS and encourage promotion of linkages between microfinance institutions and livestock keeper organization. • Export/import regulations of livestock, livestock products and allied materials; the government will harmonize these regulations in order to create a conducive environment for encouraging private sector investment. • Promotion of livestock disease free compartments in the country; and • Promotion of stakeholder based organizations (producers, processors, consumers etc).

Genetic improvement of animals for meat production Increased meat production requires the use of animal stock of high genetic potential. Traits of importance for meat producing animal are high reproductive rate, high growth rate, heavy finished weight and good carcass quality of the slaughtered animal. There is a high need for multiplication of stock with high genetic potential for meat production by implementing breeding programmes such as selection within the existing stock, cross breeding, and importation of breeding stock of animals of high genetic potential. The Boran is a beef breed which has proved to produce well in Tanzania. Beef breeds which had been successfully for crossbreeding in Tanzanian ranches are Charolais, Angus, Hereford and Simmental. Black herd Persian sheep breed and the Boer goat have been successfully used as pure or cross with indigenous breeds for meat production.

Accessibility to profitable markets In order to meet market requirements both nationally and internationally there is need of encouragement of building of modern slaughter and meat processing facilities.

Introduction of a livestock identification, registration, and traceability system in the country is a prerequisite for entry to international markets. From 2007 a new system of identification, registration and traceability has been introduced. The system is aimed for all livestock but will be in stages starting with public and commercial farms. Together with other benefits to be accrued from the system it will give broader participation of the country in international livestock markets.

6.0 Conclusion The meat industry in Tanzania has got a very big potential mainly due to availability of animal and land resources. Despite the given resources production is still low due to underutilization leading to low productivity. There are largely unexploited meat markets locally, in neighbouring countries and overseas especially in the Middle East. The country will be able to exploit the potential if animals of high quality are raised and meat processing industries are built so as to add add to value to the meat and meat products.

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Important Citations

Ministry of Water and Livestock Development 2005. Proceedings of Hundred Years of Livestock Services in Tanzania 1905-2005.

Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries 2008. In the 2008/09 Budget Speech.

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