Bold warning about falling food stocks: the Prime Minister is urging all Tanzanians to conserve what we already have as the rainy season starts later than usual.
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba spoke at his Dodoma office in Mlimwa, addressing Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners. He emphasized the need to curb unnecessary consumption and to safeguard existing food reserves, even though there is currently no imminent food shortage.
The call follows a report from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) detailing outlooks for the vuli rains and the main rainy season. The period from October to December 2025, and November 2025 to April 2026, is expected to bring below-average to near-below-average rainfall in several regions, with prolonged dry spells and uneven rainfall distribution. This means crop yields could be affected in the near term.
PM Nchemba underscored responsible use of food overall and the importance of building reserves as rainfall patterns may influence harvests. He noted that while a shortage isn’t looming, prudent consumption remains essential.
The Daily News reports that, per TMS projections, delays in rainfall are anticipated in Dodoma, Katavi, Kigoma, Singida, Tabora, Iringa, Mbeya, Mtwara, Njombe, Songwe, Rukwa, Ruvuma, and parts of southern Morogoro Region.
To mitigate potential impacts, the Premier urged farmers to plan ahead: prepare fields, select inputs suited to expected limited rainfall (including appropriate seeds and fertilizers), and work with agricultural experts to receive guidance. He also called on livestock keepers to implement water and feed plans and to manage pastures effectively to prevent a repeat of past heavy livestock losses due to shortages of forage and water.
Additionally, he directed Regional and District Commissioners to supervise extension officers, ensuring regular farm visits and timely education on seed use aligned with current weather forecasts rather than remaining in offices.
Key takeaway: stay prepared, conserve resources, and rely on expert guidance to weather a drier-than-expected season while maintaining productive farming and grazing practices.
