From The Arusha News Reporter in Ngorongoro
The national livestock vaccination campaign continued in Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region, last week as part of the government’s broader five-year strategy to strengthen animal health and improve the livestock sector across Tanzania.
The event at Mokilal Village was officiated by the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, marked a key milestone in the regional implementation of the 2025–2030 National Livestock Vaccination Plan.
According to the National livestock population census 2014, Arusha region had a total of 1,373,839 head of cattle, whereby Ngorongoro District had the largest number – 383,386 animals or 28 per cent of the total regional population of cows.
The vaccination campaign, which was officially launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan last month in Bariadi, Simiyu Region, is backed by a government commitment of TZS 216 billion. Over TZS 62 billion has already been allocated for the current financial year.
To make the programme more accessible to pastoralists, Dr Kijaji announced reduced vaccination charges. Cattle owners will now pay just Shillings 500 per cow (previously Shs 1,000), while the cost for vaccinating a goat or sheep has been lowered from Shillings 500 to Shillings 300.
The Director of Livestock Services at the Ministry, Benezeth Lutege, outlined the campaign’s broader goals, which included improving the quality and value of Tanzanian livestock for international markets. He added that the introduction of barcoded identification tags would also enhance traceability, pasture management and farmers’ access to financing.
Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Kenani Kihongosi, urged livestock keepers in the region to embrace the programme and underscored the importance of peace and feedback in addressing any challenges.
