By The Respondent reporter
Tanzania has launched a transformative ten-year Climate-Smart Smallholder Dairy Transformation Project (C-SDTP) valued at USD 174.3 million (approximately 461.2 billion Tanzanian shillings) to combat climate change and boost dairy sector productivity.
The ambitious initiative, spanning 28 districts across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, aims to modernize the dairy value chain, enhance rural livelihoods, and improve food security.
During the project's inception workshop in Dodoma, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, underscored the importance of accountability and efficient fund utilization.
"We have been working for two years to ensure this project takes off. If implemented according to its designed strategies and timeframe, it will transform the entire dairy sector," he said.
He emphasized that the project’s success hinges on strict adherence to its implementation framework, urging stakeholders to prioritize women and youth, who are integral to the sector’s sustainability.
The initiative, supported by multiple development partners—including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Heifer International, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the OPEC Fund, the Green Climate Fund, and Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB)—is expected to reshape Tanzania’s dairy industry.
IFAD Country Director, Sakphouseth Mengi, reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment, stating, "This project aligns with IFAD’s core vision, which includes addressing the effects of climate change in agriculture and the dairy sector."
He also noted that IFAD would provide technical support and mobilize additional stakeholders to contribute to the initiative.
Dr. Lazaro Kapella, the project’s coordinator, revealed that C-SDTP will supply over 17,500 improved dairy cattle to beneficiaries and conduct extensive farmer training.
"This initiative will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the dairy sector while addressing other challenges," he said. Prof. George Msalya, Registrar of the Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB), highlighted that Tanzania’s current annual milk production stands at 3.9 billion liters, with per capita milk consumption at 67.5 liters—well below the FAO-recommended 200 liters per person per year. "By improving productivity and efficiency, we can bridge this gap and enhance nutrition nationwide," he noted.
By equipping farmers with advanced knowledge and superior cattle breeds, the project aspires to increase dairy output, improve climate resilience, and boost income levels.
A key objective is to ensure 40% of beneficiaries are women and 30% are youth, fostering inclusivity in the sector.
Implementation will involve several institutions, including the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), Zanzibar Livestock Research Institute (ZALIRI), the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), the Livestock Training Agency (LITA), the National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC), the Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA), and the Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB).
The regions benefiting from the project include Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Pwani, Morogoro, Tanga, Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, as well as Zanzibar’s Unguja and Pemba.
The C-SDTP represents a major step toward a climate-resilient, competitive, and sustainable dairy sector, ensuring long-term benefits for smallholder farmers, national food security, and economic growth.
If effectively executed, it could serve as a model for climate-smart agricultural transformation across Africa.
Source: Daily News