Getting milk to markets – Irish Aid support for Tanzanian dairy farmers

“This will benefit scientists, students and livestock keepers in Tanzania. And I hope it will also benefit the nutrition of children, men and women in Tanzania“

For poor farmers and dairy producers to make a living, they need to be able to sell their goods without having to travel huge distances. Minister for Development and Trade Joe Costello T.D., saw this first hand during a visit to Tanzania this week to see the impact of development assistance on the ground.

Agriculture is a very important part of the Tanzanian economy, providing food and employment for more than three quarters of the population and Irish Aid’s work in agriculture in Tanzania focuses on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and pastoralists.

Irish Aid’s support includes a ‘More Milk Dairy Market Hub’ research project which aims to improve farmers’ access to markets so they can sell their produce locally. By 2016, approximately 40,000 people in 6400 households will benefit from the ‘More Milk’ market hubs and other supports.

Minister Costello launched the second phase of the ‘More Milk’ research project during his visit to Tanzania. This research project is jointly managed by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Sokoine University of Agriculture with Irish Aid funding. Speaking at the launch Minister Costello said: “This will benefit scientists, students and livestock keepers in Tanzania.  And I hope it will also benefit the nutrition of children, men and women in Tanzania“