Research must remain at the heart of efforts to modernise Tanzania’s livestock, fisheries and aquaculture sectors if the country is to achieve sustainable economic growth, improve productivity and create more jobs, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Agnes Meena has said.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop in Dodoma on June 9, 2026, Ms Meena stressed the need for research priorities that respond to emerging challenges and opportunities while supporting the country’s long-term development ambitions.
The workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, universities, research organisations, development partners, local government authorities and the private sector to review the National Livestock Research Agenda and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Agenda for 2026–2030.
Ms Meena said the gathering reflected a growing recognition that scientific research is essential for transforming key productive sectors and strengthening their contribution to the national economy.
She noted that the government has continued to invest in research through specialised institutions, including the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI) and the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), which are responsible for generating scientific knowledge and innovations to support the two sectors.
“Research is a powerful tool for driving transformation. It enables us to identify practical solutions to challenges facing livestock keepers, fishers and aquaculture producers while unlocking opportunities for increased production and value addition,” she said.
According to Ms Meena, the next generation of research priorities should focus on boosting productivity, improving livestock and fish breeds, controlling diseases, enhancing value addition, promoting sustainable management of natural resources and increasing incomes among livestock keepers and fishing communities.
She said the review was necessary because the previous research agendas completed their implementation cycle in 2025, while technological advances, climate-related challenges and changing market demands continue to reshape the sectors.
The updated agendas, she added, should be forward-looking and capable of guiding investments in research that deliver tangible benefits to producers and the wider economy.
Ms Meena further urged experts leading the review process to align the new agendas with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, the National Five-Year Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader government strategies aimed at reducing poverty and expanding employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women.
She emphasised that research outcomes should go beyond academic findings and translate into innovations and technologies that improve efficiency, strengthen food security and enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian products in domestic and international markets.
Meanwhile, the Director of Research, Training and Extension Services in the ministry, Samuel Mdachi, said the new agendas are being developed through an inclusive consultative process to ensure they address the most pressing priorities within the livestock, fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Mr Mdachi said the frameworks will guide the implementation of strategic research programmes between 2026 and 2030 and support the country’s broader vision of building a modern, productive and resilient agricultural economy.
The workshop is expected to produce recommendations that will shape Tanzania’s research landscape over the next five years, providing a roadmap for innovation, sustainable resource management and increased productivity in sectors that support millions of livelihoods across the country.
