RESIDENTS of Kisarawe District have been urged to abandon unsustainable charcoal production from forests and instead embrace poultry farming, particularly chicken rearing, as a viable and environmentally friendly economic activity.

Kisarawe District Commissioner, Petro Magoti, made the call here over the weekend while distributing over 300 chickens to residents of six villages surrounding the Pugu-Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve. The beneficiary villages include Mguruwe, Kazimzumbwi, Mwanzo Mgumu, Chambasi, Msimbu, and Kibaoni.

Magoti stated that this initiative by the Tanzania Landscapes Restoration Organization (TaLRO) aims to empower low-income residents, including 15 widows, by providing them with self-employment opportunities that protect the environment.

"I commend these stakeholders for distributing chickens to low-income individuals to help them earn a living. This initiative supports the government's efforts, so instead of widows lamenting about not having a husband, they can now engage in poultry farming and generate income," said Magoti.

Earlier, during a training session for residents on effective poultry farming techniques, Kisarawe Livestock and Fisheries Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Kassian, highlighted the profitability of livestock keeping. He shared success stories of youth whose livestock projects he supervised, demonstrating how they achieved economic prosperity through farming.

"The best national cattle farmer for five consecutive years is from Kisarawe, and the best cow here in Kisarawe was sold for up to Sh. 28 million at the Chalinze auction," Dr. Emmanuel revealed, underscoring the potential for high returns in livestock.

Dr. David Comalla, a veterinary doctor from Interchick company, outlined key considerations for successful poultry farming, including timely vaccinations and recognising early symptoms of diseases, especially those caused by viruses.

"As a farmer, your chicken coop must have adequate space and ventilation, maintain constant cleanliness, provide non-toxic feed to prevent diseases, and ensure the right temperature within the coop," advised Dr. Comalla.

This initiative seeks to foster sustainable economic activities in Kisarawe, balancing community livelihoods with environmental conservation efforts.