Tanzanian farmers are implementing precautionary measures to prepare for the 2026 Vuli rainfall season, which is expected to be influenced by El Niño-related heavy rains. According to the Daily News, agricultural producers in the Shinyanga region are altering their farming plans to minimize potential losses. Michael Kiriba, a farmer in Shinyanga, stated that he is prioritizing rice over maize because rice is better suited to wetter growing conditions, while maize is vulnerable to waterlogging. He is also reinforcing mud-built houses and toilets with cement to improve structural resilience against prolonged rainfall.
In the Mwanza region, specifically within Buchosa District, local agricultural authorities are advising farmers to adjust their cultivation methods. Nestory Mjojo, the Buchosa District Council Agricultural Officer, reported that the council has identified low-lying fields prone to water accumulation. He advised farmers to shift from traditional flat cultivation to ridge planting, which allows excess water to drain more effectively. Mjojo noted that short-season maize in these areas could be submerged before maturity, whereas long-season varieties might survive if rainfall extends into January.
To ensure household food security, the Buchosa District Council recommends that farmers retain approximately 60 percent of their harvest for personal consumption and sell the remaining 40 percent commercially. This strategy aims to protect families from potential market disruptions and shortages. Mjojo also urged non-farming households to purchase adequate food supplies in advance, given the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the weather conditions and their impact on food prices.
Beyond crop selection, experts are warning of increased pest and disease risks. Ngogo Mang’enyi, a climate researcher at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, advised farmers to protect stored grain from pests and to manage livestock carefully to prevent the spread of diseases such as Rift Valley fever. He emphasized that wet conditions could increase fungal diseases in horticultural crops and aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnuts. In the Coast Region, seaweed farmer Juma Hassan highlighted the need for timely weather forecasts to plan planting and harvesting schedules, while also calling for strategies to control coastal soil erosion before the rains begin.