Paje, Zanzibar. In the quiet village of Paje Mjogooni, Unguja, a determined woman has turned her dream into reality and is now reshaping her community through poultry farming.
Shemsa John Taraba, once a small-scale farmer, has become a symbol of modern agribusiness in Zanzibar.
Her journey took a decisive turn when the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) stepped in with technical support and affordable financing.
That partnership opened the door for her to transform poultry keeping from a backyard project into a thriving commercial enterprise.
From 830 Chickens to 5,000 Layers
Shemsa began with just 830 chickens, producing about 36 trays of eggs per day. Today, her farm has expanded to over 5,000 layers, yielding up to 145 trays daily. Yet, despite the growth, demand for her eggs continues to outpace supply, with customers booking orders in advance.
This success has had ripple effects on the community. Young people from Paje village, including women, have found employment on her farm. Families benefit not only from jobs but also from the knowledge she shares on poultry keeping. For her, poultry is more than a business, it is a family and community project with the potential to impact Zanzibar’s economy at large.
Challenges on the journey
Like many entrepreneurs, Mama Shemsa’s path has not been without hurdles. Fluctuating feed prices eat into her profits, veterinary drugs remain expensive, and limited capital slows down expansion.
“With more financial support, I believe I can expand to 10,000 chickens and create more jobs for young people,” she says.
“What makes me proud is seeing my children stand by me in this project. It is truly a family venture.”
Government push for agricultural transformation
Her success story reflects broader efforts by the Government of Tanzania to promote food security, empower women and youth, and modernize agriculture. Under the Sixth Phase administration, programs targeting agribusiness and livestock production have gained momentum, often working hand in hand with institutions such as TADB.
Through low-interest loans and technical assistance, TADB has shown that development can begin at the grassroots. By supporting farmers like Mama Shemsa, the bank underscores the crucial role of women in driving agricultural transformation.
More than personal success
Beyond her household income, Mama Shemsa’s poultry business has become a lifeline for her community. She has created employment, supported local food supply, and inspired other women to see farming as a viable and profitable venture.
Her vision stretches beyond Zanzibar. With growing market demand, she dreams of expanding her production to supply eggs to other regions in Tanzania.
Her story demonstrates that agriculture, when backed with the right financing and determination, is not just about survival it is a pathway to prosperity.
A role model in Zanzibar’s green revolution
From a humble start with fewer than 1,000 chickens to a large-scale farm of more than 5,000, Mama Shemsa’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of opportunity. Every tray of eggs harvested is a reminder of how far she has come.
As she puts it: “One visionary farmer can feed hotels, employ young people, and contribute to national food security.”
In Paje, Mama Shemsa John Taraba is no longer just a poultry farmer she is a pioneer, standing at the forefront of Zanzibar’s agricultural transformation.