DODOMA: THE Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Kakurwa, has called for stronger unity, discipline, and cooperation among fish farmers as the government steps up efforts to transform the aquaculture sector into a key driver of economic growth and employment in Tanzania.
Dr Kakurwa made the call during a meeting with the Tanzania Fish Farmers Association held at the Ministry’s Kambarage Sub-Office in Dodoma today, June 24, 2026..
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and the association in order to improve fish production, address challenges facing farmers, and expand opportunities within the sector.
The meeting brought together government officials and leaders of the association to review existing opportunities in fish farming, identify key challenges, and agree on practical strategies to increase production and improve efficiency across the value chain.
Dr Kakurwa praised the association for uniting fish farmers across the country, saying such efforts are essential in building a strong and well-organized sector.
He stressed that unity, discipline, and cooperation among members would help strengthen operations, improve productivity, and ensure that the sector delivers greater benefits to both farmers and the national economy.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, to continue working closely with stakeholders to address challenges facing fish farmers.
These include improving access to modern farming technologies, enhancing production systems, and supporting innovations that can make fish farming more productive and profitable.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of adopting modern aquaculture practices such as improved fish breeding techniques, quality feed management, and the use of technology in production and monitoring systems.
He noted that such improvements are crucial for increasing output, reducing production costs, and making fish farming a reliable source of income, especially for young people and rural communities.
Dr Kakurwa further urged the association to actively contribute professional advice and policy recommendations to the government on matters related to aquaculture development.
He said strong collaboration between the government and stakeholders remains key to shaping effective policies that respond to real challenges on the ground and support sustainable sector growth.
He added that the development of the aquaculture industry is part of the government’s broader agenda to strengthen food security, create employment opportunities, and increase household incomes across the country.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting fish farmers through training, extension services, and improved access to markets.
On his part, the Chairman of the Tanzania Fish Farmers Association, Baraka Kalangahe, thanked the government for its continued support and for maintaining open dialogue with stakeholders in the sector.
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He said the association values the opportunity to engage with the Ministry and contribute ideas aimed at improving fish farming in the country.
Kalangahe said the association is ready to work closely with the government in implementing strategies aimed at increasing fish production and strengthening the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
He added that greater cooperation will help address existing challenges and promote a more organized and sustainable aquaculture industry.
He further reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting unity among fish farmers and supporting government efforts to modernize aquaculture practices for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The meeting reflects ongoing government efforts to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders in the fisheries sector as part of broader plans to develop Tanzania’s blue economy and enhance its contribution to national development.