Policy in action - how the Livestock Master Plan influenced Tanzania’s livestock sector

Hon. Abdallah Hamisi Ulega, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, speaking at the ILRI@50 celebrations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Photo credit: Gloriana Ndibalema/ILRI).

“The Tanzania Livestock Master Plan shaped budget allocations, secured $624 million in research investment and catalyzed private sector engagement – proving that strategic planning drives real impact.”

• Hon. Abdallah Hamisi Ulega, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, speaking at the ILRI@50 celebrations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

The Tanzania Livestock Master Plan (TLMP) was initiated in 2015 by the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, with technical support from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and funding from the Gates Foundation. Developed in collaboration with the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), government agencies, national research institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development partners, the TLMP provided evidence-based investment priorities to guide sector growth. Aligned with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025, the 2014 – 2024 Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it was implemented between 2017/18 and 2021/22, laying the foundation for the Livestock Sector Transformation Plan (LSTP), launched in 2022 to scale and accelerate impact. 

Some achievements of the TLMP

• The TLMP influenced a more significant livestock sector share within the national agricultural budget.
• A dedicated private-sector unit within the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries was established to attract and coordinate investments, strengthening financial integration.
• Government-backed intensification efforts led to a 7% increase in egg production and 92.8 million birds in the commercial poultry sector, benefitting women and youth.
• Policies restricting milk imports boosted domestic production and consumption, while investments in breed improvement and veterinary services enhanced cattle productivity.
• Investments flowed into processing plants such as Tanchoice, Chobo Investments, Alpha Choice, Dodoma Abattoir and Saafi meat processing, improving livestock value chains and market access. 

• The establishment of Hester Biosciences Africa, with a 1.5 billion-dose vaccine production capacity, fast-tracked by government policies, strengthened Tanzania’s livestock disease resilience. 

   

Fabian Kausche, ILRI’s Deputy Director General, Research and Innovations, at the ILRI@50 celebrations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Photo credit: Gloriana Ndibalema/ILRI).

“The TLMP has proven that strategic, research-driven investments can transform the livestock sector. To sustain this momentum, we must continue strengthening partnerships between research institutions, government and the private sector to enhance productivity and market access.”

• Fabian Kausche, ILRI’s Deputy Director General, Research and Innovations, at the ILRI@50 celebrations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

Building on TLMP’s success, in 2022, Tanzania launched the Livestock Sector Transformation Plan (LSTP) to scale and sustain impact. Prioritized areas include improved livestock breeds, increased water and pasture access, animal health and veterinary services expansion, enhanced research, training, and extension services, value addition and expanded market.

Zero grazing unit near Magole, Tanzania (Photo credit: ILRI)

“With the LSTP now in motion, continued collaboration between government, private sector investors and research institutions will be crucial in unlocking further investments, expanding markets and driving long-term sector transformation.” 

• Hon. Abdallah Hamisi Ulega, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, speaking at the ILRI@50 celebrations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

Please see the links below for more information.

• Read news articles celebrating the impact of the TLMP.
• Read more about other Livestock Masterplans developed by ILRI
• Access the TLMP here  

• Access the LSTP here