MOROGORO: THE government has named Morogoro Region as a special zone for modern and productive livestock farming, boasting improved breeds of cattle and dedicated grazing pastures.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Ashatu Kijaji said on Friday in Kilosa District that the government is committed to fostering growth in the livestock sector to significantly contribute to the national economy.
“Currently, the livestock sector contributes less than 10 per cent to the national GDP. Our goal is to ensure that by 2030, this sector contributes 10 per cent or more,” said Dr Kijaji.
She added: “This will be achieved through modern livestock keeping and reliable grazing pastures to produce high-quality livestock products.”
The minister highlighted plans to develop modern infrastructure and improve livestock breeds in collaboration with the Morogoro regional administration, setting an example for other regions.
She urged farmers to actively support the government in establishing the infrastructures.
Dr Kijaji also expressed satisfaction with the reduced conflicts between farmers and herders in the region, calling for more education on proper land use.
Moreover, she encouraged livestock keepers to avoid cutting down trees and destroying water sources when preparing grazing fields, stressing the importance of environmental conservation and establishing water wells in grazing areas.
Livestock farming is a vital sector in Tanzania, contributing significantly to the livelihoods of rural communities and the national economy.
Despite its potential, the sector currently contributes less than 10 per cent to Tanzania’s GDP, a figure the government aims to improve significantly by 2030. The Morogoro region has been designated as a special zone for productive livestock farming due to its favorable climate, fertile soils and abundant natural resources.+
The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is committed to transforming Tanzania’s livestock sector into a major contributor to the country’ economic growth.
Its mission is to enhance productivity through modern farming practices, improve the quality of livestock products and ensure sustainable use of resources.
Chief Matayani Simanga of the Maasai tribe thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her ongoing support to livestock keepers across the country.
Livestock keeper Nyakungu Magairo, who owns a fodder farm, urged his fellow livestock keepers to abandon nomadic practices in favour of modern livestock farming, emphasising the importance of established grazing farms and water wells for sustainable production.
Tanzania meat exports surged by 41.1 per cent in 2023, accounting to 86.31 million US dollar (about 212.40bn/-).
According to the 2023 State of the Economy report, the country exported 14,701.2 metric tonnes of meat in 2023, compared to 10,416.0 metric tonnes of meat valued at 42.5 million US dollar (about 104.5bn/-) that was exported in the preceding year.
“The increase in meat exports was due to improved business and investment environments as well as strengthened meat markets in countries such as Hong Kong, Vietnam, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, Kenya and Comoros,” the report read in part.
The Tanzania Meat Board Acting Registrar, Mr John Chassama told the Sunday News that the achievements were attributed to the government’s continued efforts in creating a favourable business environment.
“The robust performance reflects not only the expanding global demand for Tanzanian meat but also the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and competitiveness of the country’s products in international markets,” said Mr Chassama.