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Tanzania

Tanzania Key Message Update, May 2016

Food insecurity anticipated to ease significantly, following upcoming favorable harvests

Key Messages

  • Food security among poor households is expected to improve to None (IPC Phase 1) in the unimodal central and southern highlands from May through at least September. Average to above-average harvests of cereals, pulses, and root crops from the November 2015 to May 2016 Msimu rains are anticipated to expand household access to food and income sources. Preliminary estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture suggests that a 650,000-750,000 MT surplus for both the Msimu and Masika seasons is likely.

  • However, poor households in the northeastern bi-modal agricultural areas of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Tanga districts remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2) due to a succession of three poor seasons, partly influenced by El Niño. The below-average harvests, amidst higher than average food prices, eroded household purchasing capacities, limiting access to food while constraining incomes from labor and produce sales. Household food stocks will replenish with the Masika green harvest in June, resulting in None (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity.

  • The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicated that as of May 20, Tanzania hosted 206,248 refugees and asylum-seekers. Refugees in Nyarugusu camp, in Kigoma Region, have access to agricultural production and labor opportunities but remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2!) in the presence of humanitarian assistance. However, new arrivals in Nduta and Mtendeli camps and the Lumasi Transit Center are unable to access income or food. These households will remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3!), relying solely on WFP food assistance that is funded only through June.