DAR ES SALAAM: THE livestock sector continues to be a vital pillar of Tanzania’s economic and social development.
In recent years, the government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has implemented deliberate and strategic measures to strengthen livestock production, enhance animal health services, expand market access and increase value addition to livestock products.
These efforts have transformed the sector into a major source of employment, food, nutrition, industrial raw materials and foreign exchange earnings.
According to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the sector has recorded steady growth over the past three years (2023–2025), contributing directly to improved livelihoods and the national economy.
In 2025, livestock contributed 6.2 per cent to Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and achieved a growth rate of 5 per cent, demonstrating its critical role in boosting national revenue and driving overall economic performance.
The livestock value chain from animal husbandry and processing to marketing and export provides employment to approximately 4.6 million households.
Through these opportunities, millions of Tanzanians have improved their economic well-being and daily living standards.
During the 2024/2025 financial year, the government intensified efforts to manage and promote livestock production across different species nationwide.
As a result, the total value of livestock increased from 30.49tri/- in 2023/2024 to 33.22tri/- in 2024/2025.
This growth reflects the success of government policies and strategies, particularly the promotion of commercial and modern livestock farming. Livestock numbers have also risen at encouraging rates.
The cattle population increased by 3.4 per cent, from 37.9 million to over 39.2 million. Goats rose by 3.6 per cent from 27.6 million to 28.6 million, while sheep grew by 3.2 per cent from 9.37 million to more than 9.65 million.
This growth has been attributed to improved farming conditions, better extension services and increased awareness among livestock keepers to invest more in the sector. The poultry subsector has recorded remarkable progress.
The total chicken population increased by 5 per cent, from 103.1 million to over 108.2 million.
Indigenous chickens rose from 47.4 million to 49.8 million, while improved breeds increased from 55.7 million to 58.5 million. Similarly, pig numbers grew by 5.1 per cent from 3.9 million to over 4.1 million.
This expansion has strengthened livestock farming as a reliable source of both food and income for households across Tanzania.
Significant achievements have also been recorded in livestock product output, particularly meat production.
Total meat production increased by 9.4 per cent, from 963,856 tonnes in 2023/2024 to over 1,054,114 tonnes in 2024/2025, valued at 10.38tri/-.
These increases were driven by improved animal off take systems, enhanced disease control, better livestock breeds and expanded domestic and international markets.
During the 2024/2025 period, Tanzania produced 666,227 tonnes of beef, 150,014 tonnes of goat meat, 31,648 tonnes of mutton, 147,450 tonnes of chicken meat and 58,775 tonnes of pork.
These figures demonstrate growth across all meat categories, reflecting a strengthened livestock production system.
The gains have improved access to protein-rich foods and enhanced national nutrition security.
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The dairy subsector has also made significant progress. Through the Ministry and the Tanzania Dairy Board, the government has promoted improved dairy farming practices to increase milk production and value.
Milk production rose by 1 per cent, from 3.97 billion litres in 2023/2024 to 4.01 billion litres in 2024/2025, valued at over 3.2tri/-.
This growth is partly due to an increase in dairy cattle numbers, from 1.32 million to 1.41 million, alongside intensified farmer training on commercial dairy farming.
The number of trained livestock keepers increased from 1,040 to 1,109 within one year, improving knowledge, efficiency and productivity.
Milk collection and processing also expanded, with collection rising by 2.3 per cent and whole milk processing by 11.7 per cent.
The number of milk collection centers increased from 258 to 269, creating more market opportunities, reducing post harvest losses and increasing farmer incomes.
The government has further strengthened livestock feed availability. In 2024/2025, over 23,589 hectares were allocated for grazing, bringing the total grazing land to 3.49 million hectares.
While demand for pasture remains high, these efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing feed shortages through public and private sector investments.
Production of pasture seeds, hay, silage and animal feeds has increased rapidly.
Pasture seed production rose from 127.8 tonnes to 222.5 tonnes, while forage production tripled from 4,744 tonnes to 14,185 tonnes.
These achievements have improved feed security and contributed to higher livestock growth, youth employment, and improved livelihoods for millions of citizens.
The sector’s expansion strengthens the economy, improves food security and provides high-quality raw materials for industrial development.
As the sector grows, it also contributes to foreign exchange earnings, helping Tanzania engage more effectively in regional and international trade.
The government continues to prioritise value addition, supporting modern slaughterhouses, dairy processing plants and feed production facilities.
These interventions not only create employment but also improve product quality, enabling Tanzanian livestock products to meet regional and international standards.
The success in livestock growth reflects broader development goals. By 2025, the sector’s achievements in production, processing, and market access have directly benefited rural communities, improving livelihoods for millions of Tanzanians.
By increasing animal populations, boosting production and strengthening markets, the government ensures the sector remains sustainable, resilient and profitable.
Looking ahead, Tanzania aims to continue improving livestock genetics, expand modern farming techniques and strengthen livestock insurance and finance schemes.
Investments in veterinary services, cold chain infrastructure, and market information systems will further increase productivity, reduce losses and enhance competitiveness.
Through these efforts, the livestock sector is positioned to remain a cornerstone of Tanzania’s development strategy, generating wealth, creating jobs and ensuring sustainable food systems.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership and strategic policies have made it possible for Tanzania’s livestock sector to thrive, securing both national economic growth and improved living standards for citizens.