The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, has urged livestock extension officers to build stronger, more cooperative relationships with livestock keepers, saying their performance will ultimately be measured by the success of the farmers they serve.
Dr. Bashiru delivered the message in Dar es Salaam today during a brief ceremony where the ministry handed over 300 motorcycles to extension officers stationed in local government authorities across the country.
He said extension officers must prioritise accurate information, professional advice, technology transfer and continuous feedback from livestock keepers.
“Extension services are essential because they bridge the gap between researchers and livestock keepers,” he said.
“Let us go into the field to serve people not to lecture them. As President Samia has reminded us, engage livestock keepers in dialogue, listen to them, and work together to improve productivity.”he added
The minister said the motorcycles will enhance officers’ mobility and enable them to respond quickly to challenges affecting livestock keepers.
He emphasised the need for officers to address issues within their mandate and report those requiring ministerial action.
Receiving the motorcycles on behalf of extension officers nationwide, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, assured Dr. Bashiru that the new machines will be used strictly for government assignments.
“You will not see these motorcycles operating as bodabodas,” Prof. Shemdoe said. “We will ensure they continue to facilitate key national programmes, including the ongoing livestock vaccination and identification campaigns.”
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila, speaking on behalf of Regional Commissioners, said the motorcycles will strengthen the country’s transition to modern livestock keeping.
He noted that improved mobility will enable officers to support livestock keepers more effectively, increase their access to credit and contribute to better livelihoods.
He added that the effort reflects the government’s broader “Tabasamu” vision under both the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, which aims to improve service delivery and uplift communities.
With the latest distribution, the government has now provided 2,500 motorcycles to livestock extension officers nationwide, a move expected to significantly enhance extension services and improve productivity in the livestock sector.
