THE Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a new initiative aimed at improving food safety and increasing production in Tanzania’s meat and dairy sectors.

The project seeks to address the low consumption rates of key animal products such as meat, eggs and milk, which currently fall below global nutritional recommendations.

Recent statistics show that the average Tanzanian consumes just 15 kilogrammes of meat, 106 eggs, and 62 litres of milk per year, well below recommended levels for optimal health. Experts have noted that milk consumption alone should be closer to 200 litres annually to meet nutritional needs.

To address these deficiencies, the FAO project will support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the dairy and meat value chains. Tanzania produces approximately 3.97 billion litres of milk annually, but only about 5 percent is processed—highlighting a significant opportunity for improving milk processing and the production of dairy products.

At the launch event in Dar es Salaam recently, FAO convened an inception meeting to establish guidance mechanisms for SMEs aimed at strengthening food safety in the meat and dairy sectors.

Charles Tulahi, Assistant FAO Representative Tanzania and Head of Programmes, emphasized that the project would provide training, resources, and technical support to SMEs to improve food safety standards, production quality, and distribution networks.

The ultimate goal is to increase the availability of nutritious food for Tanzanians.

“By improving production and accessibility, this project will help diversify diets, reduce malnutrition, and enhance overall public health,” Tulahi said.

The initiative will address key challenges in the value chain, including inadequate infrastructure, limited market linkages, and low compliance with food safety standards. 

Tulahi also highlighted that foodborne diseases pose a significant socio-economic burden by straining healthcare systems and negatively impacting national economies.

Through capacity-building efforts, the FAO aims to strengthen Tanzania’s local meat and dairy industries, improve market access, and promote sustainable production practices that align with the country’s goals for food security and environmental sustainability.

The project is a collaborative effort involving government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and local partners, with the goal of enhancing the competitiveness of Tanzania’s meat and dairy sectors both domestically and internationally. 

Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, highlighted the growth in Tanzania’s meat exports, which increased from 1,774.3 tonnes in 2022 to 14,701.2 tonnes in 2023. 

He attributed the growth to the government’s efforts to revitalise the livestock sector, including a significant increase in budget allocation for the sector.

Shemdoe also pointed to the development of critical infrastructure as essential for improving transportation of livestock and related products, both domestically and internationally. 

Additionally, he noted that Tanzania had undertaken major legal and regulatory reforms to create a conducive business environment for livestock trade, ensuring a predictable climate for private sector growth.

“With the FAO project now underway, we are optimistic that it will lead to long-term improvements in food safety and nutrition, benefiting both consumers and producers,” Shemdoe said.

Dr Aboubakar Hoza, a senior lecturer at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), stressed the importance of removing bureaucratic obstacles to support farmers and SMEs. 

“Simplifying the regulatory process will allow farmers to focus on sustainable and safe practices, helping them meet food safety standards more easily,” Hoza said.

The project is expected to have a transformative impact, improving the livelihoods of thousands of people working in Tanzania’s dairy and meat sectors, from farmers to processors. By boosting local production and consumption, the initiative aims to enhance public health and contribute to Tanzania’s economic resilience.