In a major step toward building a disaster-resilient nation, the Government of Tanzania has introduced a comprehensive mapping system that identifies areas vulnerable to disasters across the country.
The move is aimed at strengthening preparedness, response, and long-term planning to protect lives, property, and livelihoods especially in the face of increasing climate change threats.
The announcement was made in Dar es Salaam by Dr. Jim Yonazi, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office – Policy, Parliament, and Coordination, during a high-level meeting of the National Technical Committee for Disaster Management.
The meeting endorsed several strategic tools, including the National Disaster Risk Map, the User Guide for Risk Mapping, the National Disaster Risk Financing Strategy, and the Humanitarian Cash Transfer Guidelines.
“The government has developed a state-of-the-art system featuring detailed maps that highlight risk-prone areas across all regions. This tool empowers regions, districts, and sectors to plan effectively and implement tailored disaster mitigation strategies,” said Dr. Yonazi.
He added that the system is not only a response tool but also a critical instrument for guiding sustainable development initiatives, such as land use planning, infrastructure development, and climate-resilient investments.
“Through this system, we’re building our national capacity to manage risks and coordinate with both local and international partners in times of crisis,” he emphasized.
The Permanent Secretary said the guidelines adopted during the meeting will be operationalized in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and humanitarian actors.
Dr. Yonazi further noted that the Committee brings together top-level technical experts, including Permanent Secretaries and heads of institutions involved in disaster management, ensuring that national policies are well coordinated and backed by technical leadership.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, highlighted the significance of the mapping system to his sector.
“This tool is a game-changer for the livestock and fisheries sectors. It enables us to identify safe zones for grazing, fishing, and water infrastructure reducing the risks posed by drought, floods, and land degradation,” said Prof. Shemdoe.
He stressed that having access to such real-time, location-specific data will help the government and communities allocate resources wisely and avoid investing in high-risk areas.
The introduction of the Disaster Risk Mapping System aligns with Tanzania’s broader efforts to strengthen resilience, promote climate-smart development, and reduce the socio-economic impacts of disasters.
The system is expected to directly benefit citizens by improving early warning systems, guiding safer infrastructure development, and enabling quicker, better-targeted responses when disasters strike.
As climate-related events become more frequent and severe, Tanzania’s proactive approach in mapping and financing disaster preparedness is seen as a vital investment in the safety and wellbeing of its people.