Food security fears as dry spell drags on

Many have expressed concerns that the lack of rainfall could severely affect production levels, leading to possible shortages.

However, government authorities maintain that it is too early to panic, as rainfall expected to begin in the second week of March and continue until the end of May or early June could improve the situation.

Reached for comment, the Agriculture ministry said it is currently conducting an assessment to evaluate food production levels in various regions.

Officials remain optimistic that the anticipated rainfall could help offset the negative effects of the dry spell.

In contrast, regions in the Lake Zone and North-Western Tanzania, which experience two rainfall seasons per year, are not facing the same concerns.

Authorities believe food production in these areas will remain stable despite the prevailing dry weather in other parts of the country.

More updates are expected as the Agriculture ministry continues its assessment to determine the extent of the impact and possible interventions to ensure food security across the nation.

“We are currently organising an assessment through the Food Security Department to better understand the prevailing food security situation,” said crop development director Nyasebwa Chimagu, emphasising that the exercise is part of the ministry’s routine.

“The assessment report will give us a clear picture and recommend possible measures, as conditions can vary across regions. For example, while one area may experience a dry spell, drought-resistant crops may have flourished in another part of the country,” he added.

Mr Chimagu explained that whenever there is surplus production in some areas, the assessment will help identify regions facing food shortages, allowing the redistribution of surplus supplies to those in need.

“We must be patient, as the Ministry will issue a public statement once the assessment is complete. It is too early to conclude, as rainfall patterns can change significantly.”

Mr Chimagu further pointed out that the country relies on the March-to-May rainfall pattern, emphasising that it is too early to draw any definitive conclusions.

TMA acting Central Forecasting Office manager Kantamla Mafuru, said that unlike other zones, Mtwara, Mbeya, Rukwa, Katavi, Iringa, Singida, Kigoma, Morogoro, Lindi, Tabora and Dodoma regions experience a single rainfall season, which runs from November to April.

He explained that the TMA forecast, published at the end of last year, indicated that several parts of Mbeya, Iringa, Njombe, the eastern part of Morogoro, Ruvuma, the western part of Lindi, and Mtwara regions would receive average to above-average rainfall.

“it was predicted that, during the first half of the season (November to January), rainfall would occur intermittently, compared to the second half (February to April). The patterns suggested that ocean thermal systems would strengthen during this period, leading to rainfall in these areas,” Dr Mafurue said.

However, he noted that the forecasts showed the remaining regions of Katavi, Rukwa, Tabora, Singida, and Dodoma, experienced average to below-average rainfall, which would lead to heavy rainfall.

“Therefore, TMA, through the systems we are closely monitoring, confirms that the forecast released by the TMA Director General remains unchanged. Should there be any challenges, the authority will continue to provide updates to the public, otherwise, the forecast remains as initially shared,” Dr Mafuru said.

However, farmers in some regions voiced frustration when speaking to The Citizen, expressing concern that if rainfall does not materialise by the end of March, both food security and their financial plans will be severely impacted.

Ms Aziza Hussein, who owns a one-acre maize farm in the remote village of Sambwa, Kondoa District, Dodoma Region, compared this year’s weather to the 2015/2016 farming season when they experienced no harvest.

“I am beginning to foresee tough months ahead. If we don’t receive rain this March, food prices will rise sharply, and most of us will be unable to afford food,” she said.

Ms Hussein added that she is now struggling to find alternative ways to survive and at least put food on the table.

In Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region, Mr Severine Mbawala explained that maize crops are withering due to a complete lack of sufficient rainfall in both January and February.

“We were forced to replant seeds after being consumed by invasive insects, birds, and animals. The fertilisers we applied have not been effective,” he said.