DAR ES SALAAM: THE International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) have launched livestock monitoring digital platform aimed at boosting livestock productivity and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
The tool is designed for real-time tracking of animal health, breeding, feeding management and artificial insemination data.
During the launch of a training session for extension officers on the digital system, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Abdul Mhinte, emphasised that the application platform will empower farmers to make informed decisions, ultimately improving productivity and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
“This tool will benefit both smallholder farmers and livestock sector stakeholders, offering real-time insights to improve decisionmaking and productivity,” Mr Mhinte said, adding that it will enhance livestock management in areas such as health, breeding and feed management.
Mr Mhinte also highlighted the ministry’s collaboration with ILRI in implementing the AADGG project, including the purchase of equipment for livestock experts in various local authorities and the use of the Identification System for animal registration.
“The government has made significant contributions to the AADGG project and we appreciate the efforts of the experts involved in helping farmers learn, adapt and increase efficiency. We encourage others outside the AADGG project to join so that our farmers can continue benefiting,” he added.
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The Country Coordinator for the ADGG programme and Envirocow project ILRI Tanzania, Dr Eliamoni Lyatuu, explained that the AADGG-Dairy Data App, which runs on Android smartphones, has been rolled out across sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria and Nepal.
He stated that the AADGG Tanzania team is prepared to ensure that data captured by the tool is analysed to provide valuable feedback to farmers, research communities, milk processors, input suppliers, disease control teams and policymakers.
The platform is being implemented in 24 local governments across Tanzania, including regions such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya and Songwe.
Dr Lyatuu noted that dairy data recording with AADGG has been in progress since 2016 using the Open Data Kit (ODK), but the new app promises increased efficiency and improved data quality.
The app also allows data collectors to view and process performance records directly from their devices, eliminating delays and enhancing accuracy.
Prof Erick Komba, Director General of the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), commended the team for developing the new app and facilitating the transition from ODK.
He emphasised that the app will save time and enable extension officers to access and use data to advise farmers directly during their monthly visits.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for dairy farm data collection with advanced tools and improved features. The Ministry is eager to expand the initiative countrywide,” Prof Komba added.
The training was supported by Local Government Authorities (LGAs), TALIRI and ILRI teams.
