Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Ally has urged investors to focus on increased meat production due to a growing demand for meat at domestic and international markets.
He made the remarks on Monday while addressing leaders during his working tour in Kagera region.
Dr Ally explained that Tanzania’s per capita consumption of meat is expected to triple by 2030 while an increasing population size, urbanisation and rising income levels across Africa have boosted the demand for meat.
“Current increases in livestock supply will not be able to meet future demand and large-scale investment is needed to provide technical skills and capital to run ranches, feedlots, abattoirs, meat processors and tanneries.
There is a huge demand for quality livestock produce in both local and international markets. Tanzania’s livestock exports have increased substantially in recent years,” Dr Ally noted.
Elaborating, he said during 2024 Tanzania’s meat export recorded 14,000 metric tonnes while the target was to reach 50,000 metric tonnes.
Kagera region has favourable environment conditions that permit the raising and keeping of traditional and exotic cattle, goats and sheep. Apart from agriculture, livestock contributes significantly the regional economy by 20 per cent.
The Minister explained that Kagera has significant potential to boost revenue from its livestock sector, leveraging favourable conditions for both traditional cattle, goats and exotic breeds due to its strategic location in the Great Lakes region for market access.
“Existing resources like pasture and water, through improvements in productivity, technology and infrastructure are key to unlocking this potential beyond smallholder limitations,” he said.
He added: “Kagera region has a good climate that can be a source of quality beef and ranching. Commercial beef ranches exist in the region. The ranches are state- owned and are located at Kitengule, Mabale, Kagoma, Kikulula, Missenyi and Rusumo. A keen investor can go into public–private partnership to optimise commercial beef ranching in these facilities,”.
