The government has called for proper land-use planning and adoption of modern livestock practices as key measures to address recurring conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers in Rufiji District.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, said sustainable management of land resources was critical in ensuring that agriculture and livestock sectors continue to support food security, employment and economic growth.
Speaking during his working visit to Rufiji on July 20, 2026, Dr Kakurwa said increasing pressure on land due to population growth requires better planning and cooperation among communities.
He visited Chumbi Village, where he met farmers and livestock keepers, inspected the Small Ranches Programme, visited village agricultural plots in Nyamwage and later held a public meeting in Ikwiriri Division to hear residents’ concerns.
“Farmers and livestock keepers are both important to the country’s development. They contribute to food production and economic activities, but conflicts between them can only be solved through proper land management and dialogue,” Dr Kakurwa said.
He said the government, through the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, will strengthen land-use planning in areas facing disputes.
According to the minister, experts will be deployed to review existing land-use plans, address gaps and ensure areas are properly allocated for farming, livestock keeping and other economic activities.
“As the number of people, farmers and livestock keepers increases, demand for land also rises. However, land remains the same size. The answer is proper planning and respecting areas set aside for different activities,” he said.
Dr Kakurwa also urged livestock keepers to move away from overdependence on natural pastures and adopt livestock feed production to improve productivity.
He said modern livestock keeping requires farmers to grow, harvest and preserve animal feeds, especially during the rainy season, for use during dry periods.
“A livestock keeper today should produce feeds in the same way a farmer produces food crops. The government is ready to support this transition to increase livestock productivity,” he said.
Rufiji District Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Komba said the district has established 371 Small Ranches since 2023, with 334 already allocated to livestock keepers.
He said some beneficiaries have started using the ranches, although challenges remain as some livestock keepers are still adjusting from traditional mobile pastoralism to settled livestock keeping.
“Education on the benefits of Small Ranches has increased acceptance, and more livestock keepers are showing interest in joining the programme,” Komba said.
He added that the district government will continue providing education and monitoring potential sources of conflict between farmers and livestock keepers to maintain peace and promote development.
CCM Rufiji District Chairman Rajabu Mbonde said cooperation between farmers and livestock keepers was necessary because both groups contribute to the economy.
“We need meat and milk, but we also need food crops. There should be clear boundaries so that livestock remain in designated ranch areas while farmers use land allocated for agriculture,” he said.
The government’s latest intervention in Rufiji reflects ongoing efforts to promote organised land use, improve livestock production and ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and livestock keepers as Tanzania works to strengthen food security and rural economic development.
