The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has organized a two-day workshop aimed at developing a sustainable action plan for a center that will support the advancement of modern technologies for dairy cattle farmers across Africa.

The workshop is part of the Project for Assessing the Effectiveness of Modern Livestock Technologies in Africa (PLF Project), funded by the Gates Foundation. Its goal is to explore solutions to the challenges faced by livestock farmers through the use of innovative technologies.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop on Thursday, June 26, 2025, on behalf of the institution’s head, the Dean of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and Engineering, Dr. Mussa Dida, emphasized that Africa is rich in talent and resources, but the challenge lies in effectively utilizing them for the benefit of society.

“The Nelson Mandela Institution has recognized this and, through its experts, has developed technologies that help monitor livestock progress. I believe this workshop will enable the development of a roadmap to sustain the project even after funding ends,” said Dr. Dida.

Meanwhile, Professor George Mtani Msalya, Registrar of the Dairy Board, commended the institution for its innovation, noting that the technologies will help solve long-standing problems for livestock keepers.

“This technology helps determine the amount of food and water a cow needs based on its productivity. It also monitors the cow’s heat cycle and provides health updates. The project will also generate accurate data needed to boost milk production efficiency,” he explained.

During a visit to the Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) Hub, the project coordinator from NM-AIST, Professor Gabriel Mkilema Shirima, stated that the core aim is to develop technologies that address the specific challenges faced by dairy farmers.

The workshop has brought together representatives of livestock farmers, livestock associations, experts from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), and various livestock development organizations. Participants are offering input on how the center can best benefit livestock farmers in Tanzania and across Africa.