The government has stepped up efforts to transform Tanzania’s livestock sector, urging stakeholders to adopt modern, commercial farming practices to increase productivity and tap into export markets.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Bashiru Ali Kakurwa, said the country is yet to reach its full potential in livestock production, noting that current output remains below expectations.
He said Tanzania is targeting to double its meat exports from 24 million tonnes to 50 million tonnes, a goal that depends on a shift towards modern and commercially driven livestock keeping.
“We must embrace modern livestock farming if we are to increase productivity and compete in international markets,” he said while opening the Pasturelands Day meeting in Morogoro.
The minister explained that modern livestock farming goes beyond traditional practices, focusing on improved animal nutrition, health, and access to quality pasture.
He stressed that the availability of good pasture must be supported by essential infrastructure, including reliable water sources, well-managed grazing systems, and proper livestock care.
To achieve this, he called for the establishment of irrigation schemes, pasture seed farms, nurseries, and demonstration farms to ensure a steady supply of quality feed throughout the year.
He also underscored the need for better management of designated grazing areas, urging close cooperation among livestock keepers and other land users to ensure sustainable use of resources.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Agnes Meena, said the government is encouraging greater investment in the production of animal feed to support the sector’s growth.
She noted that production of pasture seeds and planting materials has increased to 489.83 tonnes from both public and private farms, reflecting growing interest in the subsector.
The government, she added, will continue to mobilize investors and livestock keepers to adopt improved seeds and expand pasture development, particularly during the dry season, to maintain livestock productivity and resilience.
