Page 200 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

linked to cultural life in many parts of Tanzania. They are used in payment of
dowry, traditional ceremonies, and as symbols of wealth and respect in society.
Beef cattle production contributes to household income and employment. Sales of
live animals or meat generate money to cater for basic needs such as school fees,
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
clothes and medical care. The beef value chain involves farmers, butchers, meat
vendors, transporters and input suppliers. Thus, creating many job opportunities.
As more people migrate to towns and eating habits change, the demand for beef
keeps growing. This makes beef cattle production an important part to propel
rural development and youth employment.

Systems for raising beef cattle

There are three main systems for rearing beef cattle they include the extensive,
semi-intensive, and intensive systems. These systems differ in land use, feeding
methods, and level of control over cattle management. However, they are not
equally practised across the country. The extensive system, also known as
pastoralism, is the most widely used in Tanzania. It accounts for about 94%
of the total beef cattle herds and contributes around 95% of the national beef
supply. Under this system, cattle graze freely on open natural rangelands. Cattle
movements from place to place is common as herds follow seasonal changes in
grass and water availability. Animal health and feeding are not properly managed,
and animal growth tends to be slow. This system is common in semi-arid areas
with extensive grazing lands. Figure 10.1 shows cattle grazing in an extensive
system.

Figure 10.1: Cattle grazing in range land

Student’s Book Form Three 191

17/09/2025 14:12
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 191 17/09/2025 14:12
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 191