By Our Reporter
Tanzania is preparing a National Early Action Plan aimed at improving preparedness and response to drought-prone areas in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), in a move designed to reduce the impact of climate-related disasters on communities and the economy.
The initiative signals a shift from emergency response after disasters occur to a proactive system focused on risk management, preparedness and early warning mechanisms.
Speaking during a five-day experience-sharing visit between Tanzania and Mozambique in Maputo, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Jim Yonazi, said drought remains among the most serious disasters affecting Tanzania.
The visit, running from May 25 to 29, 2026, brings together officials from the two countries to exchange experience on early action systems before disasters strike.
Dr. Yonazi said prolonged drought continues to affect agriculture, livestock, water resources, food security and livelihoods, while also slowing broader social and economic development.
“Currently, Tanzania is developing a National Early Action Plan against drought with the support of WFP, recognising that drought is still one of the major disasters affecting the country,” he said.
He explained that the plan is expected to strengthen early warning systems and improve the implementation of preventive measures before disasters occur.
Dr. Yonazi said Tanzania selected Mozambique for the exchange programme because of its progress in developing and implementing early action systems for droughts, floods and cyclones.
According to him, the collaboration will enable Tanzania to learn best practices in institutional coordination, financing mechanisms and the criteria used to trigger early response measures.
He added that lessons from Mozambique could also help Tanzania integrate early action measures into social protection systems to improve resilience among vulnerable communities.
“This visit offers Tanzania an important opportunity for practical learning from Mozambique’s experience in implementing early action systems before disasters happen,” said Dr. Yonazi.
