Tanzania Livestock Sector Analysis (2016/2017 - 2031/2032)

Abstract

Using the most recent available and reliable secondary data and the LSIPT,1 the Tanzania LMP team, made up of MALF senior experts and supported by the ILRI LSIPT experts, and supported by the BMGF, developed a herd-­‐ and livestock-­‐sector model and then carried out an assessment of the current state of the sector (for 2016–17) and the long-­‐term potential for livestock development in Tanzania over 15 years (LSA). The results of this LSA guided in turn the preparation of the LMP, which is a series of five-­‐year investment implementation plans or ‘roadmaps’, to be used to help implement the present larger national program of Tanzania, the Agricultural Sector Development Program II (ASDP II) starting in 2017. It is also meant to help realize the various existing strategies and policies of Tanzania, namely the Tanzania Development Vision 2025, Five Year Development Plan (2016–17 to 2021–22), MKUKUTA II, National Livestock Policy 2006, Agricultural Sector Development Strategy II (ASDS II) and the Livestock Sector Development Strategy (2010). The baseline analysis of the LSA shows that the main livestock types are cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and donkeys. Based on the 2016–17 LSA baseline, Tanzania has about 28.8 million cattle, 16.7 million goats and 5.0 million sheep. Other livestock include 2.0 million pigs, 33.3 million local chickens and 38.1 million improved chickens (as also reported in the MALF Budget Speech 2016–17). Tanzania accounts for about 1.4 % of the global and 11% of the African cattle population (FAO 2014). The national herd is dominated by indigenous cattle which are currently exhibiting low productivity but has much potential if improvements can be made in feed, health and breed. The country has many other outstanding natural resources to support livestock development which include extensive rangelands, diverse natural vegetation and diversely resilient low-­‐production livestock breeds. Despite these resources, there is widespread agreement that the livestock sector is presently performing below its potential.