The Government has intensified measures to protect livestock and fisheries production areas across the country, directing strict action against encroachment on designated farms while calling for stronger scientific management to boost productivity and safeguard national investments in the sectors.
The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, has instructed senior officials in the ministry to take immediate steps to stop the invasion and fragmentation of livestock farms, warning that the trend is undermining national efforts to develop the sector.
Speaking on May 9, 2026, in Dodoma during the Ministry’s Workers Council meeting, Dr. Bashiru said several government livestock farms have been illegally reduced in size or converted for other uses without following legal procedures, a situation he described as unacceptable.
He said such practices threaten the original purpose of the farms, which were established to support livestock production, improve food security, and strengthen the national economy.
“I am not satisfied with the invasion of livestock farms and the fragmentation of these areas that were originally planned for livestock production activities,” said Dr. Bashiru.
He stressed that all livestock and fisheries production zones must be strictly protected to ensure they continue to serve their intended role of increasing output and supporting farmers and fishers across the country.
The Minister further directed that both livestock and fisheries sectors must be managed using scientific approaches, emphasizing the use of research, data, and modern technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
He said science-based management is essential in addressing current challenges and ensuring sustainable growth of the sectors, which are key contributors to employment, income generation, and national development.
Dr. Bashiru also commended ministry staff and institutions under his docket for their teamwork and commitment, saying their cooperation has contributed to progress in improving services and strengthening the two sectors.
However, he urged senior officials to raise their performance standards and ensure that all institutions under the ministry operate efficiently and deliver results expected by citizens and stakeholders.
He emphasized accountability and discipline in the use of public resources, noting that effective management is critical in ensuring that farmers and fishers receive timely and quality services.
On her part, the Chairperson of the Workers Council and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Agnes Kisaka Meena, outlined the council’s role in advising the ministry on service delivery improvements for livestock keepers and fishers.
She said the council also works to strengthen internal coordination, improve working conditions, and support the implementation of government policies aimed at developing the sector.
Meena further presented the status of budget implementation, noting that the ministry was allocated TZS 476 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
She said TZS 111 billion is for recurrent expenditure, while TZS 375 billion has been allocated for development projects targeting the transformation of livestock and fisheries production systems.
She added that the funds are expected to improve infrastructure, enhance productivity, and strengthen service delivery across the sector, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved livelihoods for citizens.
The meeting brought together senior officials and workers’ representatives, focusing on performance, challenges, and strategies to improve efficiency in the livestock and fisheries sectors.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting production areas, strengthening scientific management, and ensuring that the livestock and fisheries sectors deliver tangible benefits to citizens and the national economy.
