The Department of Animal, Aquaculture, and Range Sciences (DAARS) was one of the oldest departments in the field of animal sciences in the country. The Department was established in 1969 as part of the then Dar Es Salaam University College and subsequently (1970) as a Department of Animal Science and Production (DASP) under the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Dar es Salaam. It retains its name following the establishment of Sokoine University of Agriculture as a full-fledged university in July 1984 by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. It was renamed as Department of Animal, Aquaculture, and Range Sciences (DAARS), within the College of Agriculture following a University-wide restructuring in 2015. Since then, the department has continuously expanded in terms of sections, staff, and student numbers.
The Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, currently is one of the five departments in the College of Agriculture of the Sokoine University of Agriculture. The Department offers three undergraduate programmes which are BSc. Animal Science, BSc, Aquaculture, and BSc. Range Management. In postgraduate, the department offers MSc. Tropical Animal Production, MSc. Aquaculture, and related PhD’s.
The Sokoine University of Agriculture leaders are mainly responsible for the strategic and management of the University. Down the line, the Department has been led by 13 heads of Department. The following is the list of the heads of the department:
1st Head
Prof. Martin Luther Kyomo
(1969 – 1971 & 1980 – 1984)
Prof. Martin Luther Kyomo was the first head of this department from 1969 to 1971. Once again he resumed the head of the department office from 1980 – 1984. Prof Kyomo’s also served in various other leadership capacities at the university, including the Dean of College of Agriculture, a member of the University Senate and as a member of the Board of Postgraduate Studies. . He was the key instrument in the establishment of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine by then, currently known as the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS). Professor Kyomo’s did extensive work in livestock research in the government and at public universities. His leadership has been marked by his dedication to excellence in teaching and research, as well as his commitment to promoting the development of the livestock sector in Tanzania and beyond.
Professor Kyomo’s has excellent contributions to animal breeding. He is involved in establishing livestock breeding systems and recording systems that aim to improve the productivity, genetic potential, and resilience of various livestock breeds. Professor Kyomo’s developed the national livestock breeding programs including the Mpwapwa cattle breed. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has supervised numerous graduate students in their research work. He has also been involved in several research projects aimed at improving livestock productivity and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Tanzania and other African countries.
In his leadership, Prof. Kyomo’s established the Magadu Dairy Facility and other farm structures at the Department of Animal Sciences, which has had a significant impact on the development of animal production and training of animal scientists in Tanzania. The facilities provide practical training and research opportunities for students, promote the adoption of modern animal production technologies and practices, and contribute to partnerships between the university and other stakeholders in the animal production sector.
Prof. Kyomo’s served on several boards of international agricultural research centers in different capacities. He is one of the Founding Members and Fellow of the Tanzania Academy of Sciences, and also a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in developing countries (TWAS). He also served as the first director of the Southern African Centre for Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Training (SACCAR) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for nine years, and thereafter, he became a DANIDA technical advisor on cattle breeding in Uganda.
Prof. Kyomo’s was a member of several national and international committees and organizations related to agriculture, science, and development. He passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in agricultural education, research, and leadership in Tanzania and beyond.
2nd Head
Prof. Jens H. Fredericksen
(1972 – 1975)
Prof. Jens Hogland Fredericksen was the second head of the Department from 1972 – 1975. Prof. Fredericksen has contributed to the research, teaching, and other activities related to animal science during his tenure. He has excellent contributions on various aspects of livestock production systems, animal nutrition, and animal health in Tanzania and other developing countries. Prof. Fredericksen’s work has contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge in the field of animal science, particularly in the areas of feed resources and sustainable livestock production.
Prof. Fredericksen’s research focuses on improving the efficiency and productivity of livestock production systems in Tanzania and other developing countries. He has conducted several studies on feed resources and their utilization by livestock, particularly small ruminants and dairy cattle. His research has helped to identify the key constraints that limit the productivity of livestock in the region, such as feed availability and quality, water availability, and animal health issues.
His research focuses on livestock production systems, animal nutrition, and animal health. He has published several research papers and articles on topics related to livestock management, feed resources, and sustainable livestock production in Tanzania and other developing countries. Prof. Fredericksen is also involved in capacity-building programs for farmers, extension agents, and other stakeholders in the livestock sector.
3rd Head
Prof. Jackson A. Kategile
(1975 – 1980)
Prof. Jackson Angelo Kategile was the third head of this department from 1975 – 1980. He also served as the Director of the Institute of Continuing Education, Dean, and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, at the Sokoine University of Agriculture. Professor Kategile has made significant contributions to the development of the livestock sector in Tanzania and beyond. He played a key role in shaping the curriculum and ensuring that students received a high-quality education in animal science. Prof. Kategile’s has excellence contributions in animal health and disease control, epidemiology, and livestock production systems. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has been a keynote speaker at numerous conferences and symposia.
In recognition of his contributions to veterinary medicine and agriculture, Professor Kategile has received several awards and honors, including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the National Academy of Sciences in the United States.
Professor Kategile’s contributions to the field of animal science have been significant, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of scientists and researchers in Tanzania and beyond.
4th Head
Prof. Muze Mgheni
(1984 – 1987 & 1990 – 1993)
Prof. Muze Mgheni was the fourth head of the department from 1984 to 1987 and resumed another tenure as the head of the Department from 1990 – 1993.
He passed away in 1995, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in agricultural education, research, and leadership in Tanzania.
5th Head
Prof. Luis A. Mtenga
(1987 – 1990)
Prof. Luis Athuman Mtenga was the fifth head of the department from 1987 to 1990. He was a Professor of Animal Science and Production with a specialization in livestock nutrition and feed resources. Prof. Mtenga’s has done several researches on the use of locally available feed resources to improve animal nutrition and productivity, the integration of crop and livestock systems, and sustainable agricultural development. He made significant contributions to the field of animal science, particularly in the areas of meat processing, preservation, and quality.
Prof. Mtenga’s has supervised several graduate students in the field of animal science and has been involved in several collaborative research projects with other universities and research institutions. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to numerous books and conference proceedings. Prof. Mtenga’s served as a consultant for various organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank.
Prof. Mtenga’s contributions to the field of livestock improvement have been instrumental in improving livestock production and food security in Tanzania, and his work has had a significant impact on the development of animal science in the country. He passed away in January 2018, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in agricultural education, and research.
6th Head
Prof. Revocatus L. Kurwijira
(1993 – 1996)
Prof. Revocatus Lusato Kurwijira was the sixth head of the department from 1993 to 1996. He was expertise in various aspects of dairy sciences and technology, including dairy production, milk processing, and dairy product development.
Prof. Kurwijira’s has an excellent contribution dairy industry in Tanzania and in the region. Prof. Kurwijira conducted research on various aspects of the dairy industry, including analyzing the economics of dairy farming, studying the market dynamics of milk and dairy products, and identifying the challenges facing the industry. His contribution has played crucial roles in the altitude and economic impacts on the interventions such as improving milk production and processing technologies, developing dairy extension services, and promoting dairy value chains.
Prof. Kurwijira’s has mega contributed to the development of policies and strategies that support the growth of the dairy industry. Prof. Kurwijira was the Director of the Research and Publication Directorate at the Sokoine University of Agriculture where he was coordinate and managed research activities and publications of research findings. He led several research projects and has been Principal Investigator on several research projects that aimed at improving the agricultural sector in Tanzania. He passed away in August 2021, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in agricultural education, research, and leadership in Tanzania and beyond.
7th Head
Prof. Ndelilio A. Urio
(1996 – 1999)
Prof. Ndelilio A. Urio was the seventh head of this department from 1996 to 1999. He is a Professor of Animal Nutrition and Feeding and currently serves as the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Iringa (UOI). He has extensive research experience in the areas of livestock nutrition and feeding, with a particular focus on ruminant nutrition. Over the years, Prof. Urio has been involved in various research projects aimed at improving livestock productivity and sustainability in Tanzania and beyond. He has published several research articles in reputable journals and has also supervised numerous postgraduate students in their research work.
Prof. Urio has also been involved in capacity building in animal nutrition, particularly through training programs for university students, livestock extension workers, and farmers. He has contributed to the development of curriculum, training manuals, and other educational materials on animal nutrition and feeding, which have been widely used in Tanzania and other African countries.
Apart from his research and academic work, Prof. Urio has also held various leadership positions at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), including serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Director of Solomon Mahlangu Campus by then. He is also a member of several professional associations, such as the Tanzania Society of Animal Production (TSAP) and the African Animal Production Network.
8th Head
Prof. George C. Kifaro
(1999 – 2005)
Prof. George Cesilius Kifaro was the eighth head of the department from 1999 to 2005. He is a Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs at Marian University College (MARUCO). Prof. Kifaro’s expertise in animal breeding and genetics has contributed significantly to the development of livestock improvement programs in Tanzania and the region, and his leadership and advisory roles have helped to shape agricultural policies and programs in the country.
Prof. Kifaro’s has done several research that focused on developing and implementing breeding strategies that enhance the genetic potential of livestock for improved productivity and adaptation to changing environments. He has conducted research on the genetics of important traits such as milk production, growth rate, and disease resistance in cattle, sheep, and goats.
Prof. Kifaro has also been involved in capacity building and training of animal breeders and researchers in Tanzania and other African countries. He has contributed to the development of training programs and materials on animal breeding and genetics and has supervised numerous graduate students in the field.
In addition to his academic work, Prof. Kifaro has served in various leadership positions at Sokoine University of Agriculture. He has also served as a consultant and advisor to various national and international organizations, including the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
9th Head
Prof. Faustine P. Lekule
(2005 – 2011)
Prof. Faustine Paul Lekule was the ninth head of the department from 2005 to 2011. He is a professor in Animal Production, and currently served as Managing Director at International TanFeeds Ltd. Prof. Lekule’s has done different research in Feed Science, Livestock Production Systems, Pig and Poultry Production. He has extensive experience and expertise in the area of feed and pig production improvement.
Prof. Lekule’s has done several types of research on feed and nutrition. He has also studied pig production systems and has worked to improve the productivity and profitability of small-scale pig farmers in Tanzania. He has conducted extensive research on the management of pig production systems, including breeding, housing, and health management, and has developed and implemented training programs for small-scale pig farmers.
Prof. Lekule’s has supervised several graduate students in the field of animal science and has been involved in several collaborative research projects with other universities and research institutions. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to numerous books and conference proceedings. He has also served as a consultant and advisor to various national and international organizations, including the African Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the International Livestock Research Institute.
Prof Lekule.s has led many projects and served in other national responsibilities as Chairman of boards, member, and regional and international organizations in different capacities. At one time, Prof. Lekule’s chaired the Tanzania Meat Board, Technical Committee on Animal Feed Standards and Technical Committee on Residues of Drugs in Foods in Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). He was a professional board Member Tanzania Society of Animal Production (TSAP). In 1999, he briefly taught at the University of Namibia as a UNDP Visiting Professor.
10th Head
Dr. Berno V. Mnembuka
(2011 – 2014)
Dr. Berno V. Mnembuka was the tenth head of the department from 2011 to 2014. He has also served in various other leadership capacities at the university, including the acting Deputy Principal of Administration and Finance at Mizengo Pinda Campus College and the Chairman of the Graduation Ceremony committee at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).
Dr. Mnembuka’s research and expertise in fish nutrition have contributed significantly to the development of sustainable and cost-effective fish production systems in Tanzania and the region. His work has helped to improve the nutritional quality of fish diets, enhance fish productivity, and promote the adoption of environmentally friendly and socially responsible fish farming practices.
Dr. Mnembuka has been actively involved in capacity building and training programs for small-scale fish farmers and extension workers in Tanzania and the region. He has developed and implemented training programs on fish nutrition and feeding, which have helped to improve the productivity and profitability of small-scale fish farming enterprises.
He passed away in May 2020, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in agricultural education, research, and leadership in Tanzania.
11th Head
Dr. Nazael A. Madalla
(2014 – 2019)
Dr. Nazael Amos Madalla was the eleventh head of the department from 2014 to 2019. He is an expert in aquaculture nutrition, and plays significant roles in developing and implementing effective feeding strategies to enhance the productivity and sustainability of aquaculture systems in Tanzania. Currently, he serves as the Director of Aquaculture in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. He is now responsible to oversee the promotion, development, and management of the aquaculture industry in Tanzania.
Dr. Madalla’s research has explored the nutritional requirements of different aquatic species, as well as the use of alternative feed resources, such as agricultural by-products and waste, to formulate nutritionally balanced and cost-effective diets. His research has also focused on the optimization of feed conversion efficiency, which has helped to minimize feed wastage and reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture. He has done several researches on Aquaculture Nutrition, Aquaculture Production Systems, Aquaculture Reproduction, and Aquaculture Policy.
Dr. Madalla has been actively involved in capacity building and training programs for university students, small-scale fish farmers and extension workers in Tanzania and the region. He has developed and implemented training programs on aquaculture nutrition, which have helped to improve the productivity and profitability of small-scale aquaculture enterprises. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has supervised numerous graduate students in their research work.
Dr. Madalla’s research and expertise in aquaculture nutrition have contributed significantly to the development of sustainable and cost-effective aquaculture systems in Tanzania. His work has helped to improve the nutritional quality of aquaculture diets, enhance the productivity and profitability of aquaculture enterprises, and promote the adoption of environmentally friendly and socially responsible aquaculture practices.
12th Head
Sebastian W. Chenyambuga
(2019 – 2022)
Prof. Sebastian William Chenyambuga was the twelfth head of the department from 2019 to 2022. He is a professor in animal breeding and genetics, particularly in the areas of quantitative genetics, genomics, and biotechnology. Prof. Chenyambuga’s held various leadership positions at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). as Deputy Principal in the College of Agriculture, Chairman of the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI) Board and a Treasurer for the Tanzania Society of Production (TSAP). He has been involved in numerous research projects in Tanzania and other African countries, focusing on improving livestock productivity, fish production, and sustainability through genetic improvement.
Prof. Chenyambuga’s research has explored the genetic diversity of different livestock species, genetic improvement, as well as the development of breeding programs to enhance the growth rate, disease resistance, and other desirable traits in livestock He has been actively involved in capacity building and training programs for university students, small-scale fish farmers and extension workers in Tanzania and the region. Prof. Chenyambuga has published many research papers in international journals and has also contributed to several book chapters on animal breeding and genetics.
Prof. Chenyambuga’s has provided technical assistance and advice on the development and implementation of sustainable and profitable fish and livestock production systems, formulation of related policies and programs aimed at promoting the growth and development of the fish farming and livestock industry in the region. He is a member of several professional societies, including the African Society of Animal Production, the Tanzania Society of Animal Production, and the International Society for Animal Genetics.
13th Head
Prof. Anthony Z. Sangeda
(2022 – to date)
Prof. Anthony Zozimus Sangeda is the thirteenth and current head of the department since 2022, and on the 20th of December 2023, he was appointed to be a Deputy Principal at the College of Agriculture of the Sokoine University of Agriculture. With this new appointment, Prof. Sangeda’s is still saving the position of the Head of Department concurrently.
He is a Professor in Natural Resources Management. Prof. Sangeda’s has conducted a number of research and published internationally in the area of Range management particularly grazing in Miombo ecosystems and climate change. He has excellent experience in Natural Resources Management and Governance. Prof. Sangeda worked as Principal Investigator in a number of projects including the climate change project “Rangeland Management Strategies for adaptation and mitigating Climatic Change in agro-pastoral communities in Gairo District by NORAD.
Prof. Sangeda also works as an Environmental Sociologist in the Department of Animal, Aquaculture, and Range Sciences, where he conducts research, raises awareness, develops policies, collaborates with communities, and teaches courses on environmental issues to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship in communities target to spearhead sustainable development.
Prof. Sangeda’s has been involved as a core team member in capacity building and research programmes of Champions for Change in Agriculture by USAID, Building Stronger Universities by DANIDA, and Enhancing Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability for Higher Education in Africa (EEISHEA) by European Union, Agroecology Hub in Tanzania funded by McKnight Foundation, Enhancing Rangeland Productivity and Community Livelihoods through Integrated Management of Noxious Weeds in Kongwa District funded by COSTECH.