In Tanzania, many people are currently growing concerned about the ongoing drought. Farmers and herders are afraid of the rain. This is not a normal situation, because in recent years it has rained repeatedly in many parts of the country – including this season.

But now the problem seems to be getting even bigger. Many feel that the effects of the drought can affect almost every sector.
Right now there is a prolonged power outage, something I have never experienced since I moved to the Iringa region in 2012. Here in the city of Iringa, for example, I have no electricity for about eight hours every day. I am experiencing the big water problem here in Iringa as well. The water level of the Ruaha River is very low and the animals in the Ruaha Reserve also urgently need access to clean and safe water. The water of the Ruaha River has become discolored because it is not moving, and due to the excrement of the animals, the flow of water within the Ruaha National Park is catastrophic.

There were several calls to save the situation. Energy Minister Jan Makamba, whose ministry is responsible for access to electricity, said a detailed evaluation was needed after the crisis. Tanzania is facing a power shortfall of 345 MW because the depth of water in the wells has decreased due to drought. I’m on the water allocation, although there is a relative easing at the moment, the impact through allocation is still large.

The head of the climate agency, Dr. Agnes Kijazi, recently warned about climate change. Religious leaders have begun to take responsibility, engage in faith, and pray to God to save the nation from drought. The Grand Mufti of Tanzania, Sheikh Abubakar Zuber bin Ally, asks them to believe in their faith and pray that the country will survive this time safely. Many views on the drought were discussed, with some accusing authorities of not setting specific priorities to protect the environment and water sources, while others said the drought was part of man-made climate change.

Currently, the living situation here in Tanzania is becoming more and more frightening. The cost of living is high and it seems that Tanzanians have given up. In recent years, prices for foodstuffs such as rice and ugali flour have doubled.

This year, the situation is on very shaky ground.
May God Almighty protect us.

From Edgar Mgembe
Iringa – Tanzania
20.01.2023