Heifer International Tanzania has received recognition for its continued efforts in empowering women and youth involved in dairy farming, particularly during the National Milk Week celebrations held in Iringa Region.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Fabian Madele, visited the organization’s exhibition booth and commended its contribution to improving Tanzania’s dairy industry.

He emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to enhance milk productivity and increase farmers’ incomes across the country.

During the event, Dr Madele highlighted that Tanzania is actively working to modernize its agricultural sector in order to strengthen food security and improve livelihoods.

He noted that initiatives led by organizations such as Heifer Tanzania play a key role in addressing poverty and hunger through improved dairy farming practices.

The organization showcased various projects that have helped smallholder farmers increase milk production, access reliable markets, and improve household incomes, especially in rural communities where dairy farming is a major source of livelihood.

A major focus of Heifer Tanzania’s work is inclusive development, with particular attention to women and youth participation in the dairy value chain.

This has been achieved through training programs, financial inclusion support, and the strengthening of cooperative groups that allow farmers to share resources and negotiate better market prices.

Dr Madele also stressed the need to formalize the dairy sector in order to improve food safety, enhance product quality, and ensure fair earnings for farmers.The National Milk Week event, held from May 28 to June 1, brought together stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the dairy sector.

With Tanzania’s large cattle population estimated at over 33 million, the country has strong potential for dairy growth, although productivity remains limited by challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited access to veterinary services, and inadequate market systems.Heifer Tanzania’s interventions are seen as vital in addressing these gaps and promoting sustainable development in the livestock sector.