TDB keen to boost milk consumption

DODOMA: THE Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB) is collaborating with various stakeholders to install more milk dispensers and establish milk bars across the country to increase national milk consumption.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ in Dodoma recently, TDB Registrar Professor George Msalya said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote investment in the dairy subsector and foster a milk-drinking culture among Tanzanians.

Currently, the country has only 16 milk vending machines, popularly known as “milk ATMs”, with just two operating in the capital, Dodoma.

Prof Msalya insisted the need for more of these machines to encourage the consumption of safe, highquality milk for improved public health.

“We want to encourage people to develop a milkdrinking habit. In addition, we’re planning to establish milk bars where people can gather, socialise, and enjoy milk,” he said.

Prof Msalya also revealed that Tanzania produces approximately 4.1 billion litres of milk annually, far below the country’s needs, and exports only a small fraction.

With an estimated milk deficit of 9 billion litres per year, TDB is calling on investors to inject capital into dairy production and related industries.

The Board has submitted a proposal to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and other partners, who have expressed interest in supporting the initiative.

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According to available data, Tanzania’s annual per capita milk consumption stands at just 67.5 litres, far below the global health recommendation of 200 litres.

In addition to milk, Tanzanians also fall short in the consumption of other livestock products.

At a recent review meeting on Tanzania’s progress in fulfilling its Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit commitments, Dr Charles Lugamara from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries highlighted low consumption levels of meat, fish and eggs.

He noted that per capita meat consumption in Tanzania is only 16 kg annually, compared to the 50 kg recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Annual per capita consumption of eggs and fish stands at 107 eggs and 7.9 kg, respectively, against FAO recommendations of 300 eggs and 20 kg of fish.

“In addressing malnutrition, the ministry is prioritising production to ensure food security within communities,” Dr Lugamara stated.

He also spoke about the ongoing School Milk Programme (SMP), a joint initiative by the ministry, TDB and other stakeholders.

The programme aims to increase milk consumption among schoolchildren through a structured and sustainable framework.