DODOMA: THE Prime Minister, Mwigulu Nchemba, has asked Tanzanians to conserve their existing food reserves due to the delayed onset of the rainy season.
Dr Nchemba made the statement on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when speaking to Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners at his office in Mlimwa, Dodoma region while insisting on the importance of avoiding unnecessary consumption.
He made the call following the information from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) on the outlook of the vuli rains and the main rainy season for the periods of October 2025 to December 2025 and November 2025 to April 2026, respectively where some regions of the country are expected to have below-average to near-below-average rainfall, characterized by prolonged dry spells and poor rainfall distribution.
In his instructions, the PM stated that though there is no threat of a food shortage in the country it is still important for citizens to continue using food responsibly, including setting aside reserves, as the rainfall situation may affect crop yields.
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According to TMS, delayed rainfall is expected in the regions of Dodoma, Katavi, Kigoma, Singida, Tabora, Iringa, Mbeya, Mtwara, Njombe, Songwe, Rukwa, Ruvuma, and the southern parts of Morogoro Region.
Additionally, the Premier urged farmers to prepare in advance by getting ready, preparing their farms, and using appropriate inputs including seeds and fertilizers that match the weather conditions they have been warned about.
“Farmers should be ready and use seeds suitable for limited rainfall. Agricultural experts should also meet with farmers and provide them with guidance and education. I also urge livestock keepers to put in place good plans for the use of water and animal feed, and practice proper pasture management to avoid a recurrence of the heavy livestock losses previously experienced due to shortages of food and water,” he said.
He further instructed the Regional and District Commissioners to supervise extension officers and ensure that they visit farmers and provide education on the proper use of seeds in line with prevailing weather conditions, instead of remaining in their offices.