The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Mr. Sospeter Mtwale, has urged livestock extension officers appointed as dairy inspectors under the Dairy Act to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
He emphasized their critical role in promoting the growth of the dairy sector, ensuring hygienic milk production, and contributing to the national economy.
Speaking during the ongoing National Milk Week celebrations being held in Morogoro Region from May 27 to June 1 Mr. Mtwale called on local government authorities to fully support these officers by equipping them with the resources needed to assist livestock keepers in adopting modern dairy farming practices and increasing milk production.
"Currently, the dairy sector contributes only 2% to the national GDP, and the industry is growing at a rate of 2.3%. We must do more to unlock its full potential," he said.
Presenting an update on the event, the Registrar of the Tanzania Dairy Board, Prof. George Msalya, highlighted several activities being conducted during the week, including educational seminars for livestock keepers and dairy processors, as well as the distribution of free milk to students in two primary schools in Morogoro Municipality.
Prof. Msalya explained that the main goal of the celebrations is to raise awareness about the nutritional and economic value of milk, and to explore new opportunities in the dairy industry.
Several livestock keepers also spoke out about the challenges facing milk production and the low level of milk consumption in Tanzania.
Petro Ole Melen, Secretary of the Livestock Keepers Association in Kilosa District, cited poor livestock breeds, inadequate pasture, and limited knowledge among farmers as key issues.
He stressed that providing both modern farming education and improved livestock breeds could significantly boost milk production in Morogoro and other regions.
Zawadi Baini, a Maasai woman from Mikese Ward in Morogoro District, appealed to the government to introduce a regulated milk pricing system similar to that of fuel prices arguing that the absence of standardized pricing leads to exploitation of producers and sellers.
Representing the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Malinyi District Commissioner Sebastian Waryuba noted that while Morogoro is one of the regions with the largest livestock populations, this has also contributed to recurring conflicts. He called for a change in approach to livestock management.
“The low milk output is a result of various challenges, including outdated farming technologies. There is an urgent need to provide farmers with modern training and tools,” said Waryuba.
He also pointed out that milk consumption in Tanzania remains significantly below global health standards.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an individual should consume at least 200 liters of milk per year. In Tanzania, the average is only 68 liters just 34% of the recommended amount. By comparison, Kenyans consume an average of 130 liters, and Ugandans 70 liters annually.”
“Milk is not a luxury or a refreshment it is a nutrient-rich food packed with essential vitamins. To ensure adequate supply, we must improve livestock productivity. With over 39 million cattle in the country, Tanzania has more than enough potential to meet this demand,” Waryuba concluded.
