Tanzania launches US$174.3M dairy project

TANZANIA – Tanzania has unveiled an ambitious US$174.3 million Climate-Smart Smallholder Dairy Transformation Project (C-SDTP), aimed at revolutionizing the country’s dairy sector while tackling the impacts of climate change. 

Reported by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the ten-year initiative, valued at approximately 461.2 billion TZS, seeks to enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers across 28 districts in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

The project’s inception workshop, held in Dodoma, was officiated by Permanent Secretary Prof Riziki Shemdoe, who called for accountability and diligence among those tasked with its execution. 

He described the initiative as a vital step for Tanzania, given its significant funding, and urged implementers to ensure its success. 

“We have been working for two years to ensure this project takes off. If implemented according to its designed strategies and timeframe, it will transform the entire dairy sector,” he said. 

Prof Shemdoe also emphasized prioritizing women and youth in the project, while thanking President Samia Suluhu Hassan and development partners for their support.

Funded by a coalition including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Heifer International, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), OPEC Fund, Green Climate Fund, and Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), the project aims to transform the dairy value chain. 

IFAD Country Director Sakphouseth Mengi, who also represented the OPEC Fund, reaffirmed their commitment. 

“This project aligns with IFAD’s core vision, which includes addressing the effects of climate change in agriculture and the dairy sector,” Mengi stated. 

IFAD will provide technical support and mobilize additional stakeholders throughout the implementation.

According to Dr Lazaro Kapella, the project coordinator, the initiative will distribute over 17,500 improved dairy cattle and offer training to farmers on best practices. 

It also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the sector. 

A report by the Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB) highlights that the country produces 3.9 billion liters of milk annually, yet per capita consumption is just 67.5 liters, well below the 200 liters recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 

Prof George Msalya, TDB Registrar, noted that the project could significantly increase milk production.

The initiative will span regions such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Pwani, Morogoro, Tanga, Iringa, Njombe, and Mbeya on the Mainland, as well as Unguja and Pemba in Zanzibar. 

Organizations like the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), Livestock Training Agency (LITA), and National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC) will play key roles in execution. 

The workshop united livestock experts and donor agencies to chart a strategic roadmap, with goals to improve income, nutrition, and climate resilience for farmers, targeting 40% women and 30% youth participation.