TMA urges wider spread of weather forecasts
DODOMA: CHAIRPERSON of the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) Board, Judge Mshibe Bakari, has called on stakeholders to actively disseminate weather forecast information to relevant users in order to boost productivity in social and economic activities.
Judge Bakari made the appeal in Dodoma while opening a stakeholders’ workshop that brought together representatives from various social and economic sectors to deliberate on the seasonal weather forecast for the November 2025 to April 2026 period.
He said the government has strengthened TMA through infrastructure and capacity building, enabling the authority to improve its weather information services.
He urged all stakeholders to effectively utilise and share the forecasts to enhance efficiency and output in different sectors.
“We may provide accurate forecasts, but if small-scale producers who are key to our livelihoods fail to receive this information, then our efforts will be in vain. I urge that the November to April forecast be widely disseminated to all relevant users, including those in construction, agriculture, business and transport sectors, to support better production planning,” he emphasised.
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Judge Bakari further commended the government for its continued support to TMA, noting that improved weather services should contribute significantly to strengthening the national economy and protecting citizens.
“It is not right for our people to suffer losses each year be it through crop failure, transport disruptions, or business setbacks simply because they lacked accurate weather information,” he said.
He also applauded TMA for engaging stakeholders in discussions related to weather information, describing the move as vital for the well-being of both humans and animals.
On his part, TMA Acting Director General and Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Dr Ladislaus Chang’a, underscored the need for collaboration among institutions and stakeholders to build societal resilience in tackling challenges posed by climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
He said TMA continues to strengthen partnerships with local and international institutions to ensure that communities benefit from timely and improved weather services.
According to Dr Chang’a, accurate weather information and early warnings are crucial in protecting lives and property, while also helping communities and stakeholders enhance efficiency and productivity in planning and implementing economic and social activities.
He noted that the workshop was aimed to gather stakeholders’ insights on how best the seasonal rainfall forecast could be utilised to maximise productivity and efficiency in key sectors.
