Govt commits to tackle climate health challenges

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has underscored the government’s commitment to tackling the growing health challenges caused by climate change, warning that rising heat levels are already affecting the wellbeing of vulnerable Tanzanian communities.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the Kisiki Hai Sustainable Heat Adaptation Development (KISHADE) Forum, Acting Director of Preventive Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr Otilia Gowelle, said Tanzania’s preventive health policies and strategies are being strengthened to integrate climate resilience measures and protect citizens from the worsening impact of extreme heat.

“We have to ensure that our strategic planning frameworks address these challenges to prevent communities from working and living under dangerously heated environments,” she said on Friday at the forum which was part of the 12th Tanzania Health Summit.

She explained that increasing greenhouse gas emissions have not only contributed to higher temperatures but have also worsened mental health conditions among affected populations, particularly children under five and other vulnerable groups.

“Tanzania is fortunate to be among the countries implementing the ‘Beat the Heat’ project, which aligns with national efforts to enhance community awareness and preparedness in responding to climate-related health risks,” she added.

The KISHADE project, led by the LEAD Foundation in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of Dar es Salaam, University of Dodoma, Muhimbili National Hospital and MetaMeta, is providing the first scientific evidence that the presence of trees in croplands can shield farmers from the life-threatening effects of extreme heat.

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The research is funded by the Wellcome Trust. Dr Gowelle’s remarks came as scientists presented groundbreaking findings showing that trees planted in agricultural fields help reduce heat stress among farmers—a key step towards linking environmental conservation with public health outcomes.

According to Dr Alfred Kondowe, Principal Meteorologist at the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), integrating meteorological data into farming decisions is essential for helping farmers plan their activities and adapt to shifting weather patterns.

“When we ask farmers about their challenges, most of them mention unpredictable rainfall and higher temperatures. Integrating real-time weather data can help them plan better, from planting to harvesting,” said Dr Kondowe.

He added that such data, combined with agricultural extension services, allows farmers to decide which crops to grow depending on expected rainfall and temperature variations.

“Farmers need more awareness on how to access and apply this information in their daily activities,” he said.

Dr Faraja Chiwanga, an internal medicine physician and clinical endocrinologist at Muhimbili National Hospital, explained that the goal of the KISHADE research is to find practical interventions that protect farmers who must work outdoors.

“We want to provide policymakers with evidencebased interventions that protect agricultural workers from heat exposure,” said Dr Chiwanga, who also serves as the project lead from the LEAD Foundation. She said agroforestry is one of the most promising strategies, offering both environmental and health benefits.

“Trees provide shade, cool the air and improve working conditions. They also help fight climate change by storing carbon. This dual impact—on health and the environment—is exactly what we need,” she said.

Dr Chiwanga added that the project’s findings can serve as a tool for advocacy, helping Tanzanians understand the direct link between climate change and their health.

“When you talk about rising sea levels or global temperature averages, it may not resonate with the common person. But if you talk about droughts, kidney disease, or heat stress, they immediately understand,” she noted.

The research team has been working closely with farmers, using wearable sensors to measure body temperature and heart rate and collecting blood and urine samples to identify signs of heat-related illness.

Preliminary results show that farmers working in agroforestry systems experience lower body temperatures and fewer health symptoms compared to those in open fields without trees.

Dr Richard Sambaiga, Head of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Dar es Salaam, highlighted the strong community participation in the study.

“Farmers are very engaged and see the value of this research. They have welcomed the use of wearable technology and given valuable feedback that reflects their realities,” he said.

He noted that local advisory boards have helped build trust, making data collection smoother and ensuring that the study reflects real-life experiences.

According to Dr Ivan Ivanov, an Occupational and Workplace Health expert from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tanzania’s research provides critical evidence that can guide global efforts to develop nature-based climate adaptation strategies.