In a bid to empower the youth and combat unemployment, Ms Fatma Mwassa, the Kagera Regional Commissioner, has urged young people in the region to consider embracing livestock keeping, specifically dairy farming, as a viable strategy to enhance income and alleviate poverty.
During a Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) meeting held in Bukoba Municipal on Wednesday, Ms Mwassa highlighted the government's efforts in creating a conducive environment for youth involvement in dairy farming. She pointed out that an investor has already established a milk processing factory in Karagwe District, ensuring a reliable market for dairy products.
Ms Mwassa revealed that a delegation of dairy farmers, including chairpersons from the eight councils in Kagera Region, is set to undertake a study tour in neighboring Uganda. The objective is to gain insights into modern dairy management practices, given Uganda's commendable progress in the sector.
Addressing the critical challenge of youth unemployment, Ms Mwassa emphasized the potential for job creation within the dairy farming industry. She encouraged livestock keepers to adopt zero grazing of livestock, emphasizing its focus on quality over quantity, and discouraged the maintenance of large herds of unproductive cattle.
Highlighting the untapped opportunities in the dairy sector, Ms Mwassa noted that Kagera Region boasts a conducive climate and abundant fertile soils, making it suitable for significant investments in the dairy industry. She reiterated the government's prioritization of the dairy sector as a driver of industrialization, food and nutrition security, and income.
Mr Isaya Tendega, the Region's Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Economy and Productivity, shared that approximately 66,215.7 hectares have been designated for dairy industry development under the Mwisa 1 Project. He invited both local and foreign investors to capitalize on this opportunity by establishing milk and beef factories.
Moreover, Mr Tendega revealed that the region has allocated 255,741.2 hectares for pasture areas, with 70 percent of it under the National Ranching Company (NARCO). He urged investors to tap into the economic benefits by establishing beef, milk, and hides factories, emphasizing the region's suitability for large investments based on its geographical location.
Kagera Region currently hosts five ranches under NARCO, with various block owners contributing to the region's sizable livestock population, including indigenous cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens. The comprehensive approach outlined by Ms Mwassa and Mr Tendega underscores the region's commitment to leveraging its agricultural potential for economic growth and employment opportunities.