Ranch expansion spurs livestock growth in Coast Region

KIBAHA: MORE than 39,000 livestock keepers in the Coast Region have benefited from the establishment of 921 smallscale ranches under a government initiative aimed at boosting livestock production, improving productivity and reducing conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.

The ranches, established in 35 villages, are serving 39,319 livestock keepers and currently accommodate 86,278 cattle.

Kibaha Municipal Livestock Officer, Dr Deogratias Mgute revealed the achievements during a stakeholders’ meeting jointly organised by the Tanzania National Chamber of Commerce (TNCC) and the government.

The meeting brought together livestock keepers, livestock experts, financial institutions, livestock product processors and government officials to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Dr Mgute said the government has also issued land ownership certificates to 419 livestock keepers, providing greater security of tenure and supporting sustainable livestock management.

He added that over the past five years, the government has invested in key livestock infrastructure, including the construction of nine boreholes, 10 cattle dips and five water dams across the region.

According to Dr Mgute, these investments have contributed to a significant reduction in nomadic livestock keeping, which has declined from 97 per cent in 2022 to 53 per cent in 2026.

Guest of Honour Charles Magoye of the Kibaha Education Centre (KEC) said livestock keeping has the potential to transform livelihoods if managed professionally.

He urged livestock keepers to adopt modern production practices and make greater use of technical advice from livestock experts to improve productivity and increase incomes.

TNCC Youth and Business Development Supervisor, Castus Paschal, said the Chamber is helping livestock keepers form organised groups to improve access to markets, financing and professional training.

He noted that Tanzania has significant export opportunities in the livestock sector, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Tanzanian goat meat is highly sought after in African markets because of its quality. There is also strong demand for sheep meat in international markets. These are opportunities we must fully utilise through close collaboration between livestock keepers and the government,” he said.

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Mr Paschal added that TNCC is also working with young people engaged in livestock production to support the government’s Vision 2050 agenda, which promotes greater youth participation in productive sectors of the economy.

TNCC Coast Region Office Meeting Coordinator, Amilwise Mkayula, said the forum was the fifth of its kind organised jointly by the Chamber and the government.