ILRI boosts livestock sector productivity
THE International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has supported the government’s national development strategy with a 624 million US dollars (equivalent to 1.7tri/-) investment aimed at boosting livestock production and enhancing value chains.
During ILRI’s 50th Alumni and Partners dinner reception, the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Abdallah Ulega, highlighted ILRI’s significant role in improving institutional and policy support through the Livestock Master Plan in 2022, which has influenced budget allocations for livestock within the agriculture sector.
“Through the Tanzania Livestock Master Plan, developed by Ministry staff with technical support from ILRI and financial backing from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a private sector desk was established at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, integrating the financial support into the investment plan,” stressed Mr Ulega.
He acknowledged ILRI as a strong partner in various areas, providing substantial support to the ministry in collaboration with the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI). Additionally, Mr Ulega commended ILRI for assisting the government in addressing employment challenges, particularly for women and youths.
He noted that unemployment affects not only Tanzanian youths but is a global issue.
“The government appreciates the great efforts made by ILRI and its partners in engaging women and youths through empowerment and capacity-building initiatives, such as Women in Business,” said Mr Ulega.
These initiatives enable women and youths to participate in entrepreneurship along the livestock and poultry value chains, creating sustainable livelihoods. Mr Ulega emphasised that these efforts contribute to the ministry’s focus on increasing youth engagement in livestock and fisheries farming in Tanzania, implemented through the “Building Better Tomorrow through Livestock and Fisheries” (BBT-LIFE) programme.
ILRI Deputy Director General Mr Fabian Kausche, representing ILRI Director General Appolinaire Djikeng, remarked that their new corporate strategy aims to improve the livelihoods of 300 million people by focusing on sustainable, science-based livestock solutions. He stated that ILRI works to enhance food security and reduce poverty through research for better and more sustainable use of livestock.
“To achieve this, we will focus on four interconnected areas addressing livestock development and broader issues such as health, climate and the environment.
