TANZANIA – Tanzania has recorded significant growth in its meat production and export volumes over the last four years, resulting in increased economic contributions and improved incomes for livestock farmers.
According to a report presented at the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Extraordinary General Meeting in Dodoma, the progress aligns with the implementation of the party’s 2020 election manifesto.
The report shows that meat exports rose from 1,669 tonnes in 2020 to 14,701 tonnes in 2024.
Foreign exchange earnings from the livestock sector climbed from US$2.5 million in 2021 to US$61.4 million in 2024.
This increase is attributed to an expansion in processing facilities, with the number of meat processing plants rising from three in 2020 to seven in 2024.
The government has also emphasized equipping farmers with skills and improving access to essential services.
Through the “Building a Better Tomorrow” (BBT) program, 240 young people received training in livestock management, while 764 extension officers were deployed to local authorities to provide farmers with technical support.
Milk production also grew during this period, increasing from 3.1 billion liters in 2020 to 3.97 billion liters in 2024.
The rise is linked to an increase in the number of dairy cattle, which grew from 1.2 million to 1.4 million over four years.
In the fisheries sector, exports increased from 167,256 tonnes in 2020 to 199,387 tonnes in 2024. Revenue from fish product exports rose from US$2.5 million in 2021 to US$61.4 million in 2024.
Investments in fishing port infrastructure and fish farming projects contributed to this growth, the report said.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa noted during the meeting that these developments have contributed to better livelihoods for Tanzanians and created additional opportunities for those in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
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