The Government of Tanzania has taken another step toward strengthening the livestock sector after livestock experts approved an improved Field School curriculum aimed at transforming small-scale dairy farming and increasing milk production across the country.
The meeting, held in Dodoma on April 28, 2026, was chaired by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Charles Mhina, who also serves as the Director of Administration and Human Resources Management.
The session brought together senior livestock experts and technical officers to review and refine the curriculum before its rollout to smallholder dairy farmers.
The goal is to ensure farmers receive practical, modern, and market-oriented training that reflects the real conditions they face in their daily activities.
Dr. Mhina said the revised curriculum is designed to strengthen the entire dairy value chain, starting from production at the farm level, through processing, and up to marketing of dairy products.
He emphasized that the success of the initiative depends on ensuring that the training is practical and tailored to the needs of farmers.
“The curriculum must reflect the real situation of livestock keepers in the country so that it provides knowledge and skills that are practical and applicable in their environment,” said Dr. Mhina.
He further urged livestock experts to work closely with farmers in the field, saying such engagement will help professionals better understand challenges facing small-scale dairy producers and design more effective solutions.
On behalf of the technical team, Dr. Zabron Nziku, Director of TALIRI Eastern Zone, said the curriculum should directly address the challenges facing smallholder dairy farmers, including low productivity, limited access to improved technologies, and market constraints.
He noted that improving efficiency in dairy farming will not only increase milk production but also enhance household incomes and contribute to national economic growth.
“This curriculum must be practical and solution-oriented, focusing on increasing productivity and improving livelihoods of small-scale farmers,” said Dr. Nziku.
He also thanked the Ministry for its guidance during the review process, noting that it had strengthened the commitment of experts involved.
Dr. Nziku assured that all recommendations and directives given by the Acting Permanent Secretary would be fully integrated before final approval.
The government expects the improved Field School curriculum to play a key role in modernizing the dairy sector, empowering smallholder farmers, and boosting Tanzania’s milk production to meet both domestic demand and emerging market opportunities.
