Contribution of Dairy Cattle Project on Improving Households’Wellbeing in Lindi Municipality, Tanzania

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.