Afya ya Mnyama Digital Limited

A Click Keeping the Herds in Play

The Problem

In Tanzania, pastoralism plays a vital role in food security and economies, particularly in regions where livestock keeping is deeply woven into community life. While these traditional practices have sustained families for generations, farmers still face some challenges in managing herd health and productivity. Many rely on memory, body markings, or verbal records to track animal movement, monitor health, and manage breeding cycles. These methods can sometimes limit accuracy, making it harder to respond quickly to illness, recover lost animals, or optimize reproductive timing. As herds grow and demands increase, the need for tools that enhance, rather than replace, local knowledge is becoming clear. Strengthening these systems with accessible technology could open up new possibilities for pastoralists to improve decision-making, reduce losses, and build more resilient livelihoods.

Our Solution

Afya ya Mnyama Digital presents the Mnyama Check platform, which offers smart sensors (ear tags) and a mobile app to digitally track each animal’s health, movement, and reproduction cycle giving farmers the information they need to protect their herds, increase productivity, and earn more. It bridges the gap between traditional livestock keeping and modern, data-driven animal health management. Through the platform, farmers receive timely alerts for vaccinations, breeding schedules, and unusual movement patterns, helping prevent disease outbreaks and minimize losses. With real-time data accessible via mobile devices, even in low-connectivity areas, pastoralists are better equipped to make informed decisions, plan ahead, and improve the overall economic value of their livestock.

Our Impacts

Afya ya Mnyama Digital joined the Ifakara Innovation Hub in 2023 through the Rural Livelihoods incubation program with the goal of modernizing livestock management for pastoralist communities. With support from the hub—including a $5,000 seed grant, mentorship, and technical coaching—they developed the Mnyama Check platform, integrating smart ear tag sensors and a mobile app to track livestock health, movement, and breeding cycles. The platform has since been piloted with over 500 farmers, receiving positive feedback and sparking early adoption. In addition to equipping farmers with data-driven decision-making tools, the initiative is creating new roles for youth and women as digital agents in rural communities. Looking ahead, Afya ya Mnyama aims to expand its reach, enhance its features, and build stronger partnerships to scale its impact and ensure more resilient and productive livestock systems across Tanzania.