Tanzania directs formation of grassroots unions for livestock keepers and fishers

Serengeti. The government has directed authorities to strengthen pastoralist and fisherfolk associations across the country to give them greater influence and enhance the productivity and efficiency of the livestock and fisheries sectors.

The move is also aimed at addressing challenges facing livestock keepers and fishers by strengthening their collective voice, representation and participation in decisions affecting their livelihoods.

The directive was issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, by the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Ally, while addressing residents in the Serengeti and Tarime District Councils in Mara Region to inspect and commission development projects and engage with the public.

Dr Bashiru stated that these associations must establish a formal structure involving all pastoralists and fisherfolk from the grassroots level, enabling them to have a unified voice in identifying and presenting their challenges for collective resolution.

“Unity is strength. I know there is a pastoralist association whose chairman comes from here in Mara, but it has not yet engaged livestock keepers at the village level.

Put mechanisms in place so these associations are strengthened starting from the villages, ensuring every fisher or pastoralist is part of this union so that their collective voices are heard,” he said.

He noted that the government is determined to transform all productive sectors, including fisheries and livestock, to bring about an economic revolution for communities and the nation as a whole.

Therefore, their concerns, particularly the challenges they face, should be voiced through an official framework rather than individually.

He added that the government, through the livestock and fisheries sectors, has allocated substantial funds, and these resources must yield swift results to boost the economy; thus, the presence of strong associations in these sectors will accelerate the achievement of these outcomes.

Dr Bashiru stated that the government is committed to implementing all commitments outlined in the CCM 2025/30 election manifesto, as well as the National Development Vision 2050.

He stressed that for these goals to be realised, citizens must support the government by upholding the foundational values established by the Father of the Nation, the late Julius Nyerere, namely unity, solidarity, peace, love, stability, brotherhood, justice, and patriotism.

During the tour, among other engagements, Dr Bashiru commissioned two classrooms at Igina Primary School in Serengeti District and an administrative block at Mjini Kati Secondary School in Tarime District, both projects costing over Sh220 million.

Presenting the progress report on the construction of the two classrooms at Igina Primary School, the Matare Ward Education Officer, Mr Gisango Gabriel, said: “These classrooms are already in use, and their completion has resolved the classroom shortage at this school, contributing to an improved teaching and learning environment.”

Mjini Kati headteacher, Mr Pius Charles, said the project cost over Sh172 million, noting that its completion has significantly improved the administrative working environment, unlike previously when they were forced to use classrooms for administrative duties.

“We are grateful for this project, which has improved our working conditions. We request the government to assist us with other challenges we face, including the lack of electricity and a shortage of teachers for Physics, Commerce, English, and Biology,” he said.