MOROGORO: MINISTER for Livestock and Fisheries Dr Ashatu Kijaji announced on Friday that the government has allocated 28.1bn/- for the first phase of a five-year livestock vaccination programme that is set to begin this year.
The initiative aims to safeguard consumer health while sustaining international markets for livestock products, thereby boosting the national economy.
Dr Kijaji made the announcement while addressing livestock keepers in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, during her tour to promote modern livestock farming practices and reduce conflicts between livestock keepers and other land users.
The minister said that the vaccination programme kicked off last year and will run through 2029 with a total budget of 216bn/-.
However, she said the first phase, that starts this January will focus on vaccination and livestock identification, with 28.1bn/- allocated for the initial phase.
“Our President deeply cares for the livestock keepers of this country, which is why she has approved this significant amount to ensure livestock are vaccinated. Extension officers must provide services to livestock keepers day and night to support these efforts by our President,” Dr Kijaji said.
During her visit to Mbwade Village, Dr Kijaji inaugurated a 4,000-acre grazing farm aimed at promoting productive livestock farming.
She insisted on the importance of peaceful coexistence between farmers and livestock keepers, urging mutual respect for each other’s roles.
At Mandela Village, Magole Ward, Dr Kijaji launched the planting of livestock fodder species, including Juncao and Rhodes grass, on the farm of Maasai community member Nyakungu Magairo.
She encouraged all livestock keepers to establish their own fodder farms to support sustainable livestock management.
Dr Kijaji also urged livestock keepers to establish water wells for their animals to reduce nomadic practices, which often lead to conflicts with farmers.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector, citing the recent purchase of 700 motorcycles and 4,500 tablets to assist extension officers in providing efficient services to livestock keepers.
The minister directed extension officers to prioritise outreach to rural livestock keepers, rather than remaining in urban areas, to ensure they receive education on modern, profitable livestock farming methods.
Currently, the livestock sector contributes less than 10 per cent to the national GDP.
However, Dr Kijaji said the government aims to increase this contribution to 10 per cent or more by 2030 through modern farming practices and the guaranteed availability of highquality livestock feed.
“The livestock sector currently contributes less than 10 per cent to GDP. Our goal is to ensure that by 2030, this sector contributes at least 10 per cent or more.
This will be achieved through modern livestock farming and reliable feed supplies, producing high-quality livestock products for both local and international markets,” she stated.
Dr Kijaji highlighted that the grazing farm would serve as a national model for modern livestock farming, underscoring the sixth phase government’s commitment to transforming the sector.
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She also urged the residents of Mbwade Village and the Morogoro Region to protect the environment, particularly water sources, to ensure sustainable water availability for all. Dr Kijaji instructed regional leaders to finalise land-use plans so that the ministry could offer appropriate support based on the plans.
According to Dr Kijaji, Morogoro is set to become a special livestock farming zone with improved infrastructure, modern livestock breeds and demonstration farms.
“Morogoro is special to us and should set an example for the rest of the nation in modern livestock farming,” she declared.
Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima requested additional livestock feed and cattle breeds to boost the region’s competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Chief Matayani Simanga of the Maasai tribe thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her ongoing support of livestock keepers across various sectors.
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.
