Tanzania’s livestock sector has recorded remarkable growth in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with increases across all major animal categories and meat production reaching historic highs. The sector’s performance underscores its critical role in the national economy, contributing 6.2% to GDP whilst supporting the livelihoods of over 6.5 million households.

Livestock Population Explosion

The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries reports significant population increases across all livestock species, driven by improved animal health services, better breeding programmes, and enhanced extension support to farmers.

Cattle Population Growth

The national cattle herd grew by 3.4%, rising from 39,241,375 animals in 2024/2025 to 40,569,621 by April 2026. This represents an addition of over 1.3 million cattle to the national herd in just one year. The growth has been particularly notable in traditional cattle-keeping regions including Shinyanga, Mwanza, Kagera, Mara, Tabora, and Kigoma, where pastoral and agro-pastoral communities dominate.

The expansion reflects improved veterinary services, successful vaccination campaigns against major cattle diseases, and better pasture management practices. The government’s investment in breeding bulls and artificial insemination services through the National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC) has contributed to both numerical growth and genetic improvement of the national herd.

Small Ruminants Show Strong Performance

Goat populations increased by 3.5%, growing from 28,592,597 to 29,598,648 animals. Goats are particularly important for smallholder farmers and women, who often manage goat enterprises as income-generating activities. The relatively low capital requirements and quick returns make goat production attractive for resource-poor households.

Sheep numbers grew by 3.0%, increasing from 9,658,880 to 9,944,352 animals. Sheep production is concentrated in the northern highlands and central regions, where traditional breeds thrive in the cooler climate. The growth in sheep numbers has been supported by improved disease control, particularly against helminth infections and peste des petits ruminants (PPR).

Poultry Sector Expansion

The poultry sector recorded the highest growth rate at 4.7%, with total chicken numbers rising from 108,221,085 to 113,361,461. This impressive expansion encompasses both traditional village chickens and modern commercial production systems.

Indigenous chickens increased from 47,391,131 to 49,754,408, representing continued importance of village poultry in rural food security and income generation. These hardy local breeds require minimal inputs and provide both eggs and meat for rural households.

Commercial poultry production grew from 55,689,577 to 58,466,677 birds, reflecting expanding investment in intensive production systems near urban centres. This growth has been driven by rising demand for poultry products in cities, improved availability of commercial feeds, and better disease management through vaccination programmes.

Pig Production Gains Momentum

Pig numbers increased by 5.6%, growing from 4,131,962 to 4,362,829 animals. This represents the highest growth rate amongst major livestock species and indicates growing acceptance of pig production in regions where it has traditionally been less common.

The expansion of pig production has been supported by improved breed quality, better feeding practices, and enhanced disease control measures. Pork consumption is rising in urban areas, creating market opportunities for commercial pig producers and smallholder farmers alike.

Meat Production Reaches Record Levels

Total meat production increased by 4.4%, rising from 1,054,114.03 tonnes valued at TSh 10,378,706,595,000 in 2024/2025 to 1,100,489.85 tonnes worth TSh 10,835,318,512,861.04 by April 2026. This growth outpaces population increase and represents real improvement in per capita meat availability.

Beef Production Dominates

Beef production accounts for the largest share of total meat output, with 689,811.46 tonnes produced during the review period. Cattle continue to dominate Tanzania’s livestock sector due to their importance in pastoral communities, their adaptation to extensive grazing systems, and strong cultural significance in many ethnic groups.

The quality of beef has improved through better breeding, enhanced feeding practices during finishing, and improved slaughter facilities. Export-oriented beef production is gaining traction, with several abattoirs working towards meeting international standards for export to regional and global markets.

Diversified Meat Sources

Goat meat production has increased in response to growing urban demand for this preferred protein source. Mutton production from sheep contributes to meat supply, particularly in northern regions where sheep are traditionally reared.

Poultry meat production has expanded rapidly, driven by commercial broiler operations supplying urban markets. Chicken meat has become more affordable and accessible to middle-income consumers, contributing to improved dietary diversity.

Pork production growth reflects expanding market acceptance and rising demand in urban centres and tourist areas. Modern pig farms are adopting improved husbandry practices and breeds that produce leaner meat preferred by health-conscious consumers.

Economic Value and Market Dynamics

The total value of the national livestock herd increased from TSh 33,216,845,677,000 in 2024/2025 to TSh 34,328,243,052,500 by April 2026. This represents substantial wealth accumulation in rural areas, where livestock serve as both productive assets and stores of value.

Market Infrastructure Development

The Ministry has continued investing in livestock markets to facilitate trade and ensure fair pricing. Modern markets with proper facilities for handling, weighing, and temporary holding of animals are being established in major livestock-producing regions.

Market fees collected from livestock markets reached TSh 8,152,166,781 by April 2026, exceeding the target of TSh 6,241,666,666.67 by 131%. This impressive performance indicates growing formalisation of livestock trade and improved revenue collection systems.

Movement Permits and Traceability

Revenue from livestock movement permits totalled TSh 10,108,672,124 by April 2026, representing 50% of the annual target. Movement permits serve dual purposes: generating revenue for local government and providing basic traceability for disease control and theft prevention.

The Ministry is strengthening the livestock identification and traceability system to improve disease surveillance, facilitate trade, and meet export market requirements. Digital systems are being introduced to modernise permit issuance and create comprehensive databases of livestock movements.

Dairy Sector Performance

While meat production statistics dominate livestock sector reporting, dairy production contributes significantly to rural incomes and nutrition. The Ministry has invested in milk collection centres and cooling facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and improve milk quality.

Artificial Insemination Services

The National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC) has expanded services to improve dairy cattle genetics. Revenue from semen and liquid nitrogen sales reached TSh 279,636,250 by April 2026, representing 78% of the annual target of TSh 358,333,333.33.

NAIC continues to import high-quality breeding material and maintains breeding bulls for semen production. In the 2026/2027 fiscal year, the Ministry plans to purchase six additional breeding bulls to enhance genetic diversity and improve production potential of the national dairy herd.

Heifer Distribution Programme

Sales of heifers generated TSh 1,119,474,400 by April 2026, exceeding the annual target of TSh 733,333,333.33 by 153%. This impressive performance reflects strong demand for improved dairy cattle amongst smallholder farmers and commercial dairy operations.

Government ranches and breeding centres produce and distribute heifers to farmers through various programmes, including subsidised schemes for youth and women’s groups. These heifers carry superior genetics for milk production and adapt well to local production conditions.

Feed and Fodder Production

Livestock productivity depends critically on adequate nutrition. The Ministry has prioritised fodder production to support the growing livestock population and improve animal performance.

Pasture Seed Production

Pasture seed production increased dramatically by 85.5%, rising from 222.54 tonnes in 2024/2025 to 411.25 tonnes in 2025/2026. The seeds, valued at TSh 1,782,555,250, were produced by government farms and private seed producers.

This surge in seed production responds to growing demand from livestock keepers seeking to establish improved pastures, particularly in areas where natural rangeland is degrading or being converted to crop production. Improved grass varieties offer higher yields, better nutritional quality, and greater resilience to drought.

Hay and Silage Preservation

Conservation of fodder through hay making and silage production increased by an impressive 128.49%, rising from 14,185 tonnes in 2024/2025 to 32,411.31 tonnes worth TSh 8,025,414,000 in 2025/2026.

This growth indicates improved adoption of fodder conservation practices, which enable livestock keepers to maintain animal productivity during dry seasons when natural pasture availability declines. Extension services have promoted these practices through farmer training and demonstrations.

Feed Concentrate Production

Commercial feed production has expanded to meet demand from intensive livestock operations, particularly dairy and poultry enterprises. Feed mills in urban areas and livestock-producing regions are investing in capacity expansion and quality improvement.

The Ministry’s quality control systems ensure that manufactured feeds meet nutritional standards and remain free from harmful contaminants. Revenue from sale of seeds and hay totalled TSh 123,732,700 by April 2026, representing 74% of the annual target.

Animal Health Services

Strong animal health services underpin the sector’s growth performance. The Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) has produced 63,641,885 doses of vaccines against seven priority diseases, achieving 87.2% of the production target of 73,000,000 doses.

Vaccination Campaigns

The Ministry has conducted mass vaccination campaigns against major livestock diseases including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), anthrax, blackleg, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). These campaigns have reduced disease-related losses and improved livestock productivity.

Revenue from veterinary charges reached TSh 13,163,028,980 by April 2026, representing 108% of the target of TSh 12,170,833,333.33. This strong performance indicates both increased demand for veterinary services and improved cost recovery mechanisms.

Laboratory Services

TVLA’s ten laboratories have examined 63,440 samples for various animal diseases, enabling early detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks. Laboratory services support disease diagnosis, surveillance, and certification for domestic and export trade.

The Ministry is investing in laboratory equipment modernisation and staff capacity building to enhance diagnostic capabilities and meet international standards for disease-free certification.

Export Market Development

Tanzania’s livestock sector is increasingly oriented towards export markets, particularly for live animals and meat products. Neighbouring countries in East Africa provide ready markets for Tanzanian cattle, goats, and sheep.

Live Animal Exports

Export fees collected reached TSh 486,955,898 by April 2026, exceeding the annual target of TSh 366,666,666.67 by 133%. This impressive performance reflects growing demand from regional markets and improving systems for export certification and movement.

Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo import live animals from Tanzania, particularly cattle for slaughter and breeding purposes. The Ministry is working to formalise these trade flows and ensure compliance with animal health requirements.

Meat Export Potential

Tanzania has significant potential to supply meat to regional and international markets. The Ministry is supporting modernisation of slaughterhouses to meet international standards for hygiene, animal welfare, and traceability.

NARCO slaughterhouses in Dodoma and other locations are being upgraded to enable export certification. The second phase of Dodoma slaughterhouse rehabilitation is planned for 2026/2027 to enhance capacity for export-quality beef production.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite impressive growth, the livestock sector faces several challenges that require continued attention:

Land and Water Constraints

Competition for land between livestock, crop production, and wildlife conservation is intensifying in many regions. The Ministry has facilitated land use planning in 187 villages across 22 districts, allocating 196,324.25 hectares for grazing in 2025/2026.

Water scarcity affects livestock production, particularly in semi-arid regions. The Ministry has identified 223 water sources serving 925,830 animals across 14 local government authorities and is working to rehabilitate and protect these vital resources.

Disease Threats

Livestock diseases remain a major constraint to productivity and market access. The Ministry continues strengthening surveillance systems, vaccination programmes, and disease control measures to protect the national herd and facilitate trade.

Market Access and Value Addition

While livestock numbers are growing, many producers struggle to access profitable markets and receive fair prices for their animals. Investment in market infrastructure, information systems, and value addition facilities is needed to improve returns to farmers.

Climate Change Impacts

Increasing weather variability affects pasture availability, water resources, and disease patterns. The Ministry is promoting climate-smart livestock production practices and developing drought-resistant fodder varieties to build resilience.

Future Outlook

The livestock sector’s strong performance in 2025/2026 provides a solid foundation for continued growth. The 2026/2027 budget prioritises:

– Further genetic improvement through breeding programmes

– Expansion of fodder production and conservation

– Strengthening disease surveillance and control systems

– Development of market infrastructure and value chains

– Support for youth and women in livestock entrepreneurship

– Climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability

With over 6.5 million households depending on livestock for livelihoods, the sector’s development has direct impact on poverty reduction and food security. Sustained investment, improved service delivery, and market development will enable the sector to realise its full potential as a driver of inclusive economic growth.

The impressive 5.0% growth rate achieved in 2024 and continued expansion in 2025/2026 demonstrate that Tanzania’s livestock sector is on an upward trajectory. With proper support and conducive policies, the sector can continue delivering benefits to producers, consumers, and the broader economy.

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