Livestock training in Tanzania must keep pace with a rapidly changing sector, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa has said, directing the Livestock Training Agency (LITA) to equip graduates with practical skills demanded by the modern livestock economy.
Dr Bashiru said population growth, rising demand for animal protein, expanding markets and the adoption of modern farming methods were changing the skills required in the sector.
He said LITA should respond by strengthening training, research and professional advice while generating policy recommendations that support the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.
The minister made the remarks yesterday, September 14, 2026, during a visit to LITA Temeke Campus in Dar es Salaam, where he assessed the institution’s role in developing human resources for the livestock sector.
“The livestock sector is becoming increasingly important due to population growth, growing demand for protein and expanding markets, as well as the shift towards modern livestock production systems,” Dr Bashiru said.
He said LITA should ensure its training programmes reflect these changes so that graduates can contribute effectively to improving livestock productivity and responding to emerging opportunities in domestic and export markets.
The minister also called for greater emphasis on practical training, saying students needed access to appropriate equipment and facilities to develop skills that could be applied in the field.
He directed LITA to prepare a budget identifying priority training equipment and other critical needs, allowing the government to assess and address gaps affecting the quality of training.
Beyond training, Dr Bashiru said LITA should strengthen its contribution to livestock policy by providing research-based ideas and recommendations to help the government improve policies governing the sector.
The push for stronger practical training comes as the livestock industry faces growing demand for skilled professionals capable of supporting modern production, animal health, value addition and access to expanding markets.
LITA Temeke Campus manager Bernadetha Kessy said the institution had taken note of the minister’s directives and would work to implement them.
She said student enrolment in various livestock-related programmes had been increasing, reflecting growing interest in livestock professions and the need for the agency to expand its capacity.
“The increase in enrolment shows the importance of strengthening our capacity to provide training that meets the needs of the livestock sector,” Ms Kessy said.