Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB) to boost annual milk output to 13 billion litres

TANZANIA – Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB) Registrar, Professor George Msalya, has announced that the organisation aims to increase the annual milk production from the current 4.1 billion litres to meet the national requirement of 13 billion litres.

Announced during a consultative meeting of the Climate Smart Dairy Transformation Project (C-SDTP) advisory committee, the registrar stated that this move would help meet the country’s growing demand.

He attributed the current low output to the predominance of indigenous cattle breeds, which yield minimal milk and stressed the need to transition toward high-yielding breeds.

“The current annual production clearly shows that we are facing a milk shortage and it is imperative that we increase production,” Prof Msalya said, noting that despite the rising demand, supply remains far below target.

The C-SDTP, a ten-year initiative valued at 462 billion, aims to reshape the dairy landscape by promoting improved cattle genetics and introducing climate-smart dairy practices.

“Our aim is to shift from low-yielding traditional herds to improved breeds that produce more milk, ensuring we meet both domestic and export demands,” he said.

Prof Msalya also noted challenges along the dairy value chain, particularly in milk collection, processing and marketing.

“Despite producing over 4 billion litres annually, we collect only about 90 million litres less than 10 per cent. The majority is traded informally in unregulated environments like roadside stalls and petrol stations, which pose public health risks,” he cautioned.

He said the project will address these gaps by distributing improved cattle breeds, training farmers in modern dairy techniques, increasing milk collection, enhancing value addition and ultimately raising incomes throughout the sector.

The C-SDTP is funded by a consortium of development partners, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the OPEC Fund, the Government of Tanzania, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), and Heifer International Tanzania.

Low milk consumption linked to protein deficiency in Tanzania

The news follows a new study that revealed a concerning link between low milk consumption and protein deficiency among Tanzanians, raising concerns about the nation’s nutritional health. 

The research highlights how limited access to milk and other protein-rich foods is affecting many households, particularly in rural areas.

According to the study conducted by health experts in Tanzania, milk consumption remains significantly below recommended levels across the country. 

The findings point to a combination of factors, including high costs, inadequate supply, and cultural preferences that favor other food sources. 

Subscribe to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world. SUBSCRIBE HERE