Tanzania’s small-scale dairy farmers are now seeing better access to formal markets and modern facilities thanks to big improvements in the sector.For many years, farmers struggled with unreliable buyers, low milk production, poor organisation, and lack of essential services like cooling systems, quality breeding programs, feed, and veterinary support.This often meant a lot of milk was lost and incomes were very low.

Now, thanks to partnerships between government bodies, banks, dairy processors, cooperatives, and international development organizations, things are changing.

Programs like the Tanzania Inclusive Processor–Producer Partnerships in Dairy (TI3P) Project are helping farmers get access to 41 milk collection centres with the capacity to handle over 100,000 litres per day, plus better storage and cooling to reduce losses.More than 1,200 extension workers have been trained to give proper advice on animal health and farming techniques.Heifer International Tanzania has supported over 1.3 million households with training in modern dairy farming, climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, and business skills.Women and young people are increasingly involved, showing that the sector is becoming more inclusive and sustainable.

National Milk Week 2026 is celebrating this transformation with the theme of formalizing the dairy sector to improve consumer safety, farmer incomes, and the overall economy.Stakeholders are hopeful that continued collaboration will strengthen Tanzania’s rural economies and help farmers earn better incomes.