Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to assess the contribution of dairy cattle project in improving
households' well-being in Lindi Municipality with specific objectives of determining the design of
the Heifer-In-Trust Model, examining the contributions of improved income through dairy cattle
project in improving households' food security and identifying challenges facing dairy cattle project
in the study area. The study employed a cross - sectional design that enabled data to be collected at
a single point in time. Data were collected by using structured questionnaires and checklists whereby
primary and secondary data were collected by using survey method, key informant interview, focus
group discussions and documentary method. The study sample was 132 dairy project beneficiaries
under District Agricultural Development Plans (DADPs) and Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF)
who were obtained by using census method from six wards of Lindi Municipality. The research
proves that dairy cattle project under the heifer-In-Trust Model had significant contribution in life
satisfaction of the identified poor households. Study found that, 95.44% of respondents were able to
earn income by selling milk at reasonable prices (Tshs 1 000.00 to 1 500.00 per litre) which enable
them to access health and education services. Also, the eating and savings behaviour of respondents
had been improved and they have joined micro finance institutions. Central and Local Government
Authorities including the private sector are called upon to address the challenges facing dairy cattle
project in the study area such as inadequate supplied dairy cattle, high prices of animal feeds, drugs
and artificial insemination, inadequate livestock extension officers and poor milk storage facilities.
