The Government has called on institutions implementing the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) Programme to invest in the production of livestock feed as a key step toward improving farmers’ incomes and strengthening commercial livestock keeping across the country.
The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, made the remarks on January 31, 2026, during his visit to the BBT goat and sheep fattening centre in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region.
He said reliable and affordable animal feed is one of the biggest challenges facing livestock keepers and that addressing it would directly improve productivity and household earnings.
Dr Bashiru urged institutions under the programme, including the National Ranching Company (NARCO), the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), and the Livestock Training Agency (LITA), to fully utilise their vast land and technical capacity to produce animal feed on a commercial scale for the benefit of farmers and youth.
“These institutions have land, skills and experience. If we focus our efforts on producing quality livestock feed, we will reduce costs for farmers, increase production and create more jobs, especially for young people,” said Dr Bashiru.
He explained that strengthening feed production would help livestock keepers avoid seasonal shortages, improve animal health, and increase market value for meat and livestock products, enabling farmers to earn more stable and predictable incomes.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of training livestock keepers on modern feed production and management practices so they can sustain their businesses.
He directed that the BBT programme should closely work with the President’s Office responsible for Youth Development to ensure more young people are reached and supported to engage in agribusiness.
Speaking on the implementation of BBT in the livestock sector, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Daudi Mayeji, said the Government has allocated 32.8 million US dollars, equivalent to about Sh81 billion, to support the programme.
He added that the Kongwa centre alone has received an initial investment of 11.82 million US dollars.
Launched in 2018 through TALIRI in partnership with PASS Trust Tanzania, the BBT Programme aims to empower young Tanzanians to become self-employed through the livestock value chain, from feed production to animal fattening and market access.
The Government believes that expanding livestock feed production under BBT will not only strengthen the livestock sector but also improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and contribute to inclusive economic growth that directly benefits ordinary citizens.