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The Tanzanian government has announced that the process of identifying and registering animals will now be completely free.
The initiative, aimed at improving livestock management and disease control, was unveiled by the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, during a meeting with farmers in Dodoma on February 19, 2025.
Speaking to a gathering of livestock keepers, Dr. Kijaji emphasized that the government had decided to take full responsibility for the costs of tagging and registering animals. This move, she explained, is part of a broader effort to support farmers and modernize Tanzania’s livestock sector.
“For a long time, many farmers have struggled to afford the costs of animal identification, yet it is a crucial process for disease control and market access,” said Dr. Kijaji. “Now, the government is stepping in to ensure that every livestock keeper benefits from this initiative without worrying about money.”
The animal identification process involves tagging each animal with a unique code that helps track its health history, prevent disease outbreaks, and improve the quality of meat and dairy products. Officials say this will also boost Tanzania’s livestock trade, as buyers in both local and international markets prefer animals with clear health records.
During the meeting, Dr. Kijaji also encouraged farmers to take part in the ongoing national vaccination campaign, emphasizing that healthy animals lead to higher productivity and better earnings. “Vaccination and identification go hand in hand,” she said. “By ensuring our livestock are healthy and properly documented, we are opening doors to bigger markets and a stronger livestock sector.”
Farmers welcomed the decision with excitement, saying that the cost of animal identification had been a burden for many. John Mwita, a cattle farmer from Dodoma, expressed his relief. “This is great news for us,” he said. “Before, many of us couldn’t afford to register our animals, but now we can. It will make it easier to manage diseases and sell our livestock.”
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To ensure the initiative reaches farmers across the country, the government is deploying veterinary officers and agricultural extension workers to assist in the process. Farmers are encouraged to visit their nearest livestock offices to register and get their animals tagged.
Dr. Kijaji reassured livestock keepers of the government’s commitment to their welfare, saying, “Our farmers are the backbone of this country, and we want to support them in every way possible. This program is just one of the many steps we are taking to strengthen the livestock sector and improve people’s livelihoods.”
With the program set to begin immediately, livestock keepers across Tanzania are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to register their animals and protect their livelihoods.
