This paper explores the employment opportunities generated by Heifer In-trust Schemes (HIS) in highlands and
semi-arid regions in Tanzania. The measurements used are the types and the number of self-employed jobs and
the income attributed to HIS self-employment among smallholders. The study adopted a cross-sectional design
whereby primary data were collected from 402 randomly selected HIS beneficiaries’ households using a pretested
structured questionnaire. In addition, nine focus group discussions were conducted to supplement information
collected through the questionnaire. Results show that HIS had generated employment opportunities and income
among smallholder farmers in highlands and semi-arid areas of Tanzania through rural dairy farming, milk
collection, milk vending, water trading, animal health provision and Artificial Insemination (AI) services. HIS
has also contributed to rural employment opportunities among low formal educated youth, women and men in the
study areas. The study recommends more investments in rural dairy farming to promote self-employment.