The government has pledged to strengthen efforts aimed at improving the welfare and protection of donkeys, recognizing their critical role in supporting livelihoods and economic activities across Tanzania.
Speaking during a meeting with Brooke East Africa Regional Director Dr Raphael Kinoti and officials from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Dodoma on June 9, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa said the government was implementing a range of measures to ensure donkeys receive adequate nutrition, access to water, veterinary services, protection and safe working conditions.
He said the welfare of livestock, including donkeys, remains a priority as the government seeks to align its animal welfare systems with both national and international standards.
The minister noted that ongoing reforms of policies, laws and regulations governing the livestock sector are intended to address emerging challenges and support the country’s broader development agenda.
“The government is reviewing policy and legal frameworks that protect livestock to ensure they keep pace with developments in the sector and contribute effectively to the implementation of the National Development Vision,” Dr Bashiru said.
He stressed that livestock remains one of Tanzania’s strategic economic sectors, contributing significantly to growth through its value chains and related products.
Strengthening animal welfare, he added, is essential for increasing productivity and enhancing the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Dr Bashiru said the government would continue working with development partners and other stakeholders to implement programmes that promote animal welfare, particularly for donkeys, which remain indispensable to transport, agriculture and other income-generating activities in many rural communities.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Agnes Meena said the ministry was ready to deepen its collaboration with Brooke East Africa through the development of training curricula and awareness programmes focused on donkey welfare.
She said the partnership would also support efforts to improve data collection systems to establish accurate information on the country’s donkey population, a key requirement for effective planning and service delivery.
For his part, Dr Kinoti commended Tanzania for the progress made in promoting donkey welfare, describing the country as one of Africa’s leaders in developing treatment protocols and welfare guidelines for the animals.
He said Brooke East Africa would continue supporting the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for animal welfare and ensure donkeys receive the care and protection necessary to maximise their contribution to social and economic development.
The discussions highlighted the growing cooperation between the government and animal welfare organisations in advancing sustainable livestock development while safeguarding the wellbeing of working animals that remain vital to the livelihoods of millions of Tanzanians.
