The Tanzanian government has announced a US$32.8 million investment in the production of livestock feed as part of the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) Programme, aiming to increase farmers’ incomes, strengthen commercial livestock keeping, and expand youth employment in the sector.
The announcement was made on Monday by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, during a visit to the BBT goat and sheep fattening centre in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region. The Minister said reliable and affordable animal feed remains one of the biggest constraints for livestock farmers and addressing it will directly improve productivity and household earnings.
“These institutions have land and experience. If we focus our efforts on producing quality livestock feed, we will reduce costs for farmers, increase production, and create more jobs, especially for young people,” Dr. Bashiru said.
The minister urged institutions involved in the programme – including the National Ranching Company (NARCO), the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), and the Livestock Training Agency (LITA) – to fully utilize their resources to produce feed on a commercial scale. He stressed that scaling up feed production will help livestock keepers avoid seasonal shortages, improve animal health, and increase the market value of meat and other livestock products.
Dr. Bashiru also highlighted the importance of training farmers on modern feed production and livestock management to sustain long-term growth. He directed the BBT programme to coordinate closely with the President’s Office responsible for youth development, ensuring that more young Tanzanians are empowered to engage in agribusiness.
The government has allocated US$32.8 million (approximately 81 billion Tanzanian shillings) for the BBT Programme, with the Kongwa centre receiving an initial investment of US$11.82 million. Launched in 2018 by TALIRI in partnership with PASS Trust Tanzania, the BBT Programme focuses on empowering youth to become self-employed across the livestock value chain, including feed production, animal fattening, and market access.
Dr. Daudi Mayeji, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, said the government views livestock feed production as a strategic intervention to stimulate inclusive economic growth. “By expanding feed availability, we not only strengthen the livestock sector but also improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and ensure a more predictable income for farmers,” he said.
Tanzania’s livestock sector is a major contributor to the country’s agricultural output and rural employment. However, farmers often face high costs for feed, limited access to quality inputs, and seasonal shortages that constrain production. By investing in commercial feed production and farmer training, the government aims to address these challenges and improve competitiveness in domestic and regional markets.
More Read
The BBT Programme’s integrated approach – linking feed production, animal rearing, and market access – also targets youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. By providing young people with practical skills and commercial opportunities, the programme seeks to reduce unemployment in rural areas and increase participation in Tanzania’s growing agribusiness sector.
Officials believe that the Kongwa centre can serve as a model for other regions in Tanzania, demonstrating the potential of modern livestock feed production to transform local economies. With proper scaling, the initiative could contribute to national food security, enhance meat supply chains, and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a leading livestock producer in East Africa.
Dr. Bashiru concluded that government-backed initiatives such as the BBT Programme are vital for the country’s long-term economic transformation. “Investing in livestock feed production is not just about supporting farmers. It is about creating a sustainable livestock sector that provides jobs, empowers youth, and drives inclusive growth for Tanzanians,” he said.
