Challenges of Food Security in Tanzania: Need for Precise Irrigation

Food security exists when people at all times have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. The objective of the study is to assess Tanzania’s food security challenges and emphasize the need for precise irrigation. Food security status was quantified using Global Hunger Index (GHI). In 2016, Tanzania figured at 96 out of 118 countries with a score of 28.4 (serious) which needs further improvement, though it is an improvement over the score of 42.4 (alarming) in 2000 with an average consumption of 2205 kcal/capita/day. It has been highlighted that the food security challenges in Tanzania are increased population, undeveloped agricultural technologies, limited income opportunities, unutilized irrigation potential and poor market access. To meet these challenges, precise irrigation is highly recommended. For example, currently, the drip irrigation in Tanzania covers less than 0.1% of irrigated land and there is plenty of scope for precise irrigation. On-farm adaptive studies through participatory programs and farmers’ field schools will help in capacity building during adaption.