Livestock and fisheries extension officers have been urged to use their professional expertise to address challenges facing livestock keepers and fishers in order to improve productivity and strengthen the two key sectors of the economy.
The call was made on Monday, March 9, 2026, by Makambako Town Council Acting Executive Director, Ms Appia Mayemba, during the opening of a refresher training for livestock and fisheries extension officers from Tanzania’s Southern Highlands held in Makambako District, Njombe Region.
Speaking on behalf of the council’s executive director, Ms Mayemba said extension officers play a critical role in supporting farmers and fishers and must ensure that the knowledge and skills they acquire from training programmes are translated into practical solutions for communities.
She said officers should return to their duty stations after the training and provide professional services that help livestock keepers and fishers overcome challenges affecting production.
“If there are issues that require higher-level intervention, it is important for extension officers to involve senior leaders, including departmental directors, so that solutions can be found promptly,” she said.
According to her, effective collaboration between extension officers and government leadership will help resolve challenges faced by livestock keepers and fishers, reduce complaints directed at the government and prevent losses to farmers’ assets.
Ms Mayemba also urged the officers to serve citizens with respect, patience and professionalism, noting that ethical and efficient service delivery would help farmers achieve success in livestock keeping and fishing activities.
She said strengthening extension services would not only boost productivity in the sectors but also enhance public confidence in government efforts to support agricultural development.
Ms Mayemba further commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to develop the livestock and fisheries sectors, urging extension officers to support the government’s initiatives by improving the quality of services they provide to citizens.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Deputy Registrar of the Tanzania Veterinary Council (VCT), Dr Obed Nyasebwa, said the training aims to strengthen the capacity of extension officers so that they can perform their duties more effectively.
He said the ministry expects the training to improve the efficiency of extension officers in delivering services to livestock keepers and fishers across the country.
Dr Nyasebwa added that the current phase of the programme targets about 500 extension officers drawn from various local government authorities, including councils in the Southern Highlands.
The training focuses on equipping officers with updated knowledge and skills that will help them respond more effectively to the needs of farmers and fishers.
Meanwhile, Momba District Council Livestock Officer, Ms Regina Baha, said the training had been beneficial, especially in strengthening participants’ understanding of how to carry out their duties in accordance with relevant laws, regulations and professional guidelines.
She said the training also highlighted the importance of registering with the Tanzania Veterinary Council, which regulates veterinary professionals and related services in the country.
Participants said the knowledge gained from the training will help them improve extension services and contribute to increased livestock and fisheries production in their areas.
