huwa siamini nchi hii njaa inatoka wapi?

Mussa Juma, The Citizen Correspondent Arusha. About half a million people in Arusha Region face an acute food shortage because of poor harvests at the end of the current farming season, it was announced here at the weekend. At least 24,280 tonnes of food will be needed to feed families contending with shortage of food between now and July this year, the regional consultative committee (RCC) meeting here was told. A report on the food situation in the region indicates that 508,831 people will face a food crisis and that all the districts, including the Arusha municipality, would not be spared. In Arusha, 23,779 people will be affected and would need at least 1,141 tonnes of food until August, while 3,712 tonnes would be needed for 77,343 people in Ngorongoro District. Food crisis will also hit Karatu and Monduli districts where 162,954 and 60,000 residents respectively will need assistance. However, the report could not indicate how many tonnes have to be sent there for those without food in the two districts. Meru, Arusha and Longido districts would need 3,000; 2,000 and 3,744 tonnes of food respectively, the report says, adding that the government has already distributed 18,733 tonnes of maize and disbursed some Sh595 million to cover the distribution cost. Speaking at the meeting, the regional commissioner, Mr Magesa Mulongo, called on the district commissioners to monitor the food situation closely so that the government can act immediately on the crisis.