TANZANIA – Tanzania has inaugurated a refurbished dairy research facility at the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI) Eastern Zone Center.
The research-based project, valued at over 500 million Tanzanian shillings (US$217,000), was funded by the Embassy of Ireland and includes a modern laboratory, cloud-connected computer room, and office space.
The initiative is part of the Maziwa Faida Project, a project backed by TAEGASC Moorepark Ireland and financed with 3 million euros (8 billion Tanzanian shillings), which seeks to enhance the capacity of key institutions throughout Tanzania’s dairy value chain.
During the inauguration, Ambassador Mary O’Neill of Ireland and Tanzanian government officials highlighted Ireland’s commitment to boosting Tanzania’s dairy sector and fostering bilateral cooperation.
“This research-based project is strategic for us as it strengthens bilateral ties by creating a platform for knowledge exchange between dairy experts from Ireland and Tanzania,” she said.
She emphasized the project’s focus on producing improved forage, advancing grassland research systems, and providing advisory and educational services to smallholder dairy farmers.
Dr. Eric Komba, Director General of TALIRI, expressed gratitude to the Irish Embassy for its collaboration in strengthening the institute.
He emphasized that the new facility positions TALIRI to better support dairy farmers nationwide, improving production and productivity.
Meanwhile, Tanzania boasts significant potential in its dairy sector, being second in Africa for cattle population and having ample land resources.
The sector currently produces around 3 billion liters of milk annually, mostly sold in free markets. With targeted interventions, production could substantially increase.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, outlined government strategies aimed at further enhancing the dairy sector.
He noted that annual milk production rose from 3.6 billion liters in 2022/2023 to 3.9 billion liters in 2023/2024.
During this period, milk processing capacity also increased from 77.9 million liters to 81.8 million liters, with formal sector milk collection growing from 71.8 million liters to 93.4 million liters.
Subscribe to our food and agriculture industry email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE
