Dairy programme opens youth employment opportunities

KAGERA: A new livestock financing programme expected to distribute 1,077 dairy cows has been launched in Kagera Region as part of efforts to create jobs for young people and expand milk production.

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Dr Basiru Ally launched the “Kopa Ng’ombe, Lipa Maziwa” programme in Kyerwa District, describing dairy farming as one of the fastest-growing opportunities for youth employment and poverty reduction.

“The government has created a conducive environment for youth to engage in dairy farming,” Dr Basiru said.

He said the establishment of a milk-processing factory in Karagwe District guarantees a reliable market for farmers.

“An investor has already established a milk-processing factory in Karagwe District, which guarantees a reliable market for milk products,” he said.

The minister said unemployment remains a major challenge, but livestock offers practical opportunities for entrepreneurship, self-employment and business growth.

He linked the initiative to Vision 2050, saying productivity growth in agriculture and livestock will play a key role in economic transformation.

“Livestock, fisheries and aquaculture are increasingly viewed as sectors capable of supporting entrepreneurship and business development,” he said.

Dr Basiru also urged livestock keepers to adopt zerograzing methods instead of relying solely on large herd sizes.

“The focus should be on quality rather than quantity,” he said.

He noted that improved feeding practices can significantly increase milk production and farmers’ incomes.

Despite the country’s large livestock population, he said opportunities in the dairy industry remain underutilised.

ALSO READ: Tanzania banks on ‘Pay-for-Results’ model to boost dairy sector

“Kagera has favourable climate and fertile soils suitable for large-scale dairy investment,” he said.

The government, he added, has prioritised the dairy industry as a driver of industrialisation, food security and income generation.

The sector contributes about 30 per cent of domestic livestock production and around 1.2 per cent of the national Gross Domestic Product.

Assistant Secretary for Economy and Productivity at the Regional Secretariat Mr Isaya Tendega said the region has reserved 66,215.76 hectares for dairy development under the Mwisa II Project.

He invited local and foreign investors to establish milk and beef-processing industries.

The region’s eight councils have allocated 255,741.2 hectares for pasture, with 68.5 per cent managed under the National Ranching Company (NARCO).

Kagera hosts six NARCO ranches—Kitengule, Missenyi, Mabale, Kagoma, Kikulula and Mwisa II—which together support extensive livestock production.