Livestock Sector Transformation Plan (LSTP) 2022/23 - 2026/27.

The Livestock Sector Transformation Plan (LSTP) is a comprehensive, nationwide strategy designed to fortify the livestock sector, enhance productivity, bolster the industrial economy, and expand both domestic and foreign markets for livestock and related products. Despite Tanzania's substantial cattle population, the economic contribution of the sector remains limited, with livestock-related activities accounting for only 27% of the agricultural sector and 7.1% of the country's GDP. In response, the Government has formulated the LSTP, outlining key investment areas within the livestock sector, including (a) fostering high-quality livestock breeds, (b) improving water, pasture, and animal feed resources, (c) enhancing animal health, (d) extending support through services, (e) advancing livestock research and training, (f) promoting value addition to livestock products, and (g) establishing a national ranching company. Over the course of its five-year implementation, the LSTP aims to (i) enhance livestock breeds to boost productivity, (ii) improve access to pasture and water for livestock, (iii) fortify animal health systems, veterinary public health, and quality control of livestock inputs, ensuring compliance with safety standards for both domestic and international trade, (iv) facilitate commercialization of livestock farming through improved extension services, (v) strengthen research and training services in the sector, (vi) encourage value addition to livestock products, and (vii) create a conducive environment for business and investment in the livestock industry. The successful execution of these identified investment areas holds the potential for a positive transformation of the sector, with increased raw material supply to the meat, milk, and hides/skin processing industries. This transformation will benefit rural livestock keepers by boosting their incomes, while urban consumers will enjoy a reliable supply of animal products. The success of the LSTP is crucial not only for economic growth but also for achieving food and nutrition security at both household and national levels.
Regarding the strategies to attain the objectives, the document highlights the significance of amplifying productivity gains as opposed to simply increasing the quantity of livestock to facilitate sectoral growth. Key focuses include enhancing access to high-productivity livestock breeds through artificial insemination and refining breeding practices. Additionally, there is a prioritization of strengthening pasture and water services for livestock, which includes the construction of charcoal dams and boreholes to address water scarcity issues. The financial requirements for implementing the Livestock Sector Transformation Plan (LSTP) are delineated, with allocations for productive livestock breeds, pasture feed, water services, animal health, extension services, research and training, value addition of livestock products, and the National Ranching Company. The primary challenges to be addressed are inadequate water infrastructure, limited private sector participation, and the adverse impacts of prolonged droughts on livestock farming communities.