Tanzania’s Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, has raised fresh concern over recurring shortages of livestock feed, warning that the challenge continues to weigh heavily on both farmers and policymakers.
Speaking during a visit to the Langwira pasture production farm in Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, on May 3, 2026, the minister said the country must urgently adopt better land-use planning and modern livestock practices to secure reliable feed supplies.
He acknowledged that the lack of pasture, particularly during the dry season, remains a persistent problem affecting pastoralists nationwide, often leading to reduced productivity and livestock losses.
Dr Kakurwa said climate change has made the situation more unpredictable, disrupting traditional grazing systems and increasing pressure on available land.
He noted that without deliberate efforts to produce and store fodder, the sector will continue to face cyclical crises.
He pointed to fodder cultivation and conservation as practical solutions, urging livestock keepers to harvest and store feed during the rainy season for use in dry periods.
The minister also emphasised the need for a shift towards modern livestock farming, calling on farmers to reduce herd sizes and instead focus on improved breeds and better feeding systems to maximise output.
He said effective land-use planning will be critical in balancing grazing needs with other competing demands, while ensuring sustainable pasture production.
The livestock sector remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s rural economy, supporting millions of households.
However, its heavy reliance on natural pastures leaves it vulnerable to weather shocks and environmental changes.
Dr Kakurwa said the government will continue to promote policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening feed production systems and building resilience among livestock keepers.
