Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen disaster management systems from the grassroots level are increasingly being recognised as a model for improving preparedness, early warning, and rapid response to emergencies across the region.
This was revealed by the Director of the Disaster Management Department in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Brigadier General Hosea Ndagala, during a visit to Mapai District in Gaza Province, Mozambique.
The visit forms part of an experience-sharing programme between Tanzania and Mozambique on early disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Brig Gen Ndagala said Tanzania has continued to build strong disaster management structures beginning at the community level, a move that has significantly improved coordination and response whenever disasters occur.
“One of the major achievements we are proud of is how disaster management systems have been strengthened from the grassroots level. This has increased efficiency and enabled faster response during emergencies,” he said.
He noted that the visit to Mapai aimed at learning from Mozambique’s approaches to disaster recovery and resilience-building, particularly through projects that help communities remain prepared before disasters strike.
Among the initiatives praised by the Tanzanian delegation were greenhouse farming projects that support agricultural production and help communities withstand the effects of recurring disasters.
“We have witnessed how the Government of Mozambique has organised itself at the community level in responding to disasters through various projects, including greenhouse farming initiatives. This is an important area that Tanzania intends to improve further,” said Brig Gen Ndagala.
He added that Tanzania has also recorded progress in disaster recovery efforts, citing the construction of houses for victims affected by mudslides and floods from Mount Hanang in Manyara Region as one of the successful interventions aimed at restoring hope to affected families.
On her part, the Administrator of Mapai District, Maria Helena Coreia Langa, commended the exchange visit, saying it would strengthen cooperation and deepen bilateral relations between Tanzania and Mozambique through the sharing of experiences on disaster preparedness.
“We will continue increasing innovation in disaster response within our communities because we frequently experience cyclones, floods and drought. This exchange of experience is important in strengthening our systems and building resilient communities,” she said.
Ms Langa further noted that Tanzania’s approach to disaster coordination through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and the use of Artificial Intelligence in disaster management had provided valuable lessons for Mozambique.
“I congratulate Tanzania for continuing to establish strong systems to address the effects of disasters, including early warning mechanisms and the National Emergency Operations and Communication Centre (EOCC), which facilitates the e-MAAFA Disaster Information Management System. This is truly an important step in disaster management,” she explained.
She also highlighted the history of recurrent flooding in Mapai District, noting that the area is regularly affected by heavy rains, cyclones and rising water levels in the Limpopo River, which often isolate the district, destroy roads and threaten local food security.
