THE Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has urged stakeholders across various economic sectors to plan their activities in line with updated seasonal forecasts to avoid disasters.

Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a, the TMA director general, issued this appeal at a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday when updating the seasonal rainfall forecast, focusing on March to May.

The agriculture sector risks excessive moisture and potential flooding which could harm crops in areas expecting above average rainfall, he stated.

Also at issue is a potential rise in pests and diseases like mould, affecting a range of crops like bananas, maize, rice, cassava and beans, he stated. 

Farmers are advised to prepare fields using proper inputs, and adopting technology to prevent waterlogging and soil erosion, he elaborated.

The livestock and fisheries sector faces considerable risk of livestock diseases like Rift Valley fever as well as the foot and mouth disease, as water shortages affect livestock water supply in wide ranging areas likely to face largely below normal rainfall patterns, he cautioned.

Farmers need to take up rainfall pattern forecasts and use extension services to mitigate these risks, he emphasized.

Tourism and wildlife in below-average rainfall areas face stagnant pools of water, promoting disease transmission between wildlife and domestic animals using the same water sources, he said. 

There is need for authorities to improve infrastructure in game reserves and raising community awareness on the risks of such water spots to avoid them, he appealed.

In transport, he noted that both excessive and insufficient rainfall could damage roads and railways, leading to accidents and delays in air and maritime travel. Stakeholders are advised to take steps to improve infrastructure and conduct regular checks.

Regarding energy and minerals, rising water levels from moderate to above-average rainfall could cause flooding. Authorities are urged to take protective measures for infrastructure and conduct public education on the expected weather.

Health emergencies are similarly likely on account of water contamination due to damaged infrastructure in flooded areas where water pipes and dams are besieged with debris,

Mixing clean and dirty water could lead to disease outbreaks, meanwhile as the health authorities need to mitigate health risks by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and treating water.

Commercial agro-sector producers face inadequate rainfall that could disrupt farming activity and processing operations, leading to higher costs and quality issues. 

Businesses need to collaborate with ecosystem experts to ensure resilience, he said, citing banking and insurance services as well positioned to solve most envisaged risks.

The media need to disseminate weather information promptly as TMA was monitoring weather patterns and providing updates, he added.