Tanzania PM cautions about food security amid below-average rain forecast
What you need to know:
- Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) recently released forecast predicting that the “Vuli” seasonal rains will be below average in many areas, marked by prolonged dry spells and unsatisfactory rainfall distribution.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Friday cautioned the public to take measures that will ensure food security in the country as below-average rains are forecast during the upcoming season which spans from October to December 2024.
Mr Majaliwa who was speaking during a motion to postpone the Parliament on September 6, 2024 in Dodoma, said the unpredictable weather patterns threaten the food security in the coming months.
“Given the current climate trends in some areas of the country, we must take early precautions to ensure we cultivate crops that mature quickly, ensuring food security in the months to come,” he said.
He further encouraged citizens to focus on drought-resistant crops to reduce the risk of food shortages.
"I urge Tanzanians to plant crops that mature in a short period and can withstand drought conditions," Mr Majaliwa said, adding that extension officers should educate farmers on the appropriate crops for their specific regions.
Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) recently released forecast predicting that the “Vuli” seasonal rains will be below average in many areas, marked by prolonged dry spells and unsatisfactory rainfall distribution.
The rains are expected to start hesitantly in the last week of September in the Lake Victoria zone and spread to other regions in early October, but they will end by the fourth week of December.
TMA also warned that higher-than-normal temperatures are likely to accompany this season, with La Niña conditions playing a significant role in the erratic rainfall pattern.
Mr Majaliwa also called on farmers to store their produce effectively, ensuring that families have enough food reserves.
The government is also taking steps to address potential food shortages, according to Mr Majaliwa who added that the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) is purchasing food stocks to boost availability in areas anticipated to face food scarcity.
"The government, through the NFRA, is continuing with the purchase of crops, and part of these reserves will be directed to areas identified as having food shortages," he said.
Mr Majaliwa also reminded citizens to conserve food at the household level and avoid unnecessary or wasteful consumption during the uncertain period.
"I urge citizens to store food wisely and avoid wastage," he said.
