Tanzania Warns Citizens To Remain Vigilant on Food Security As Strong El Niño Forecast Threatens to Fuel Hunger

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has alerted its citizens to store enough food and make prudent use of available food stocks, warning that the forecast rains could disrupt food production.

Deputy Agriculture Minister, Mr David Silinde, told Parliament in Dodoma that the coming torrential rains are expected to disrupt the food production system in the next season, highlighting the need for Tanzanians to purchase and store enough food stocks.

“As the Government expects to launch the 2026 grains purchasing season next week, citizens, including farmers, must consider storing enough food for themselves before it reaches government warehouses,” he warned.

He insisted on the need for Regional Commissioners across the country to cooperate with local government leaders in ensuring that wananchi save enough food stocks to avert the projected shortage.

“The Government has instructed the Cereals and Other Produce Board (CPB) to start purchasing grains, whereby it will later be joined in the exercise by the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA),” he said.

However, Mr Silinde assured that the Government is well prepared to purchase and store sufficient tonnages of grains in its warehouses.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) warns that a very strong El Niño is expected to significantly influence the upcoming 2026 Vuli (short rains) season, bringing above-normal rainfall and flooding.

Expected rainfall, ranging from above-normal to normal, is predicted across regions with two rainy seasons, including the north-eastern highlands, northern coast, Lake Victoria Basin, and northern Kigoma region.

The rains are likely to begin between the fourth week of September and the second week of October 2026, extending into January 2027.

The strong downpours are expected to negatively affect Tanzania’s agriculture sector, as excess water could cause waterlogging in crops and increase animal disease outbreaks such as Rift Valley fever.

The Government of Tanzania is, however, undertaking early preparedness measures to lessen the severe effects of the coming environmental calamity.