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Provision of climate services in Tanzania
Dr Agnes L. Kijazi, Director General, Tanzania Meteorological Agency
M
ost people in Tanzania depend on rainfed agriculture
as their main source of livelihood, and as the popula-
tion increases, more land is needed for agriculture.
ore than 70 per cent of all natural disasters in Tanzania
are linked to floods and droughts. Observed increases in
climate variability, manifested through increased frequency
and severity of floods and droughts, have significant impacts
on agricultural production and people’s livelihoods. Most
recently, the city of Dar es Salaam experienced severe and
catastrophic flooding from 20-22 December 2011 due to heavy
rainfall, with severe socioeconomic implications for both the
city and the country.
The Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) is the designated
authority for provision of meteorological services including early
warning, alerts and advisories to the general public
and other relevant authorities and stakeholders about
impending severe weather and extreme climatic
events. TMA also provides tailored weather and
climate products to various sectors and stakeholders
in support of sustainable socioeconomic development
and for the protection of life and properties from
hydrometeorological disasters.
Weather and climate services
TMA fosters strong relationships and collaboration with
higher learning institutions, research institutions, non-
governmental organizations and the general public to
enhance the efficient and effective use of weather and
climate information.
D
isaster
R
isk
R
eduction
Image: TMA
Participants during a 2011 regional climate outlook forum in Arusha, Tanzania