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In the heart of Tanzania’s Kilosa District, the climate crisis is wreaking havoc on daily life, severely compromising humanitarian aid efforts. The situation is dire for communities reliant on agriculture and healthcare, with escalating weather extremes threatening food security and health outcomes. Chris Palmer reports from the frontline of World Vision’s intervention programme, highlighting the urgent need for sustained support amidst rising climate pressures.
Climate Change: An Unseen Adversary
In the rural community of Madudumizi, a new health clinic, funded by the international charity World Vision, has been a beacon of hope for pregnant women like Salma. “Before this clinic, we had to risk our lives to reach healthcare,” she recalls, describing treacherous journeys that often resulted in tragic outcomes. However, even this critical lifeline is now under threat as climate-induced flooding disrupts healthcare access.
World Vision’s ambitious 20-year initiative, known as the “Ulaya” programme, aims to uplift 27,000 residents across 13 villages by improving health, nutrition, and access to clean water. Yet, the charity’s efforts are increasingly hampered by the very climatic changes that necessitate such interventions. Last year alone, World Vision invested around $48 million (£35 million) in Tanzania, targeting malnutrition and maternal mortality among the nation’s three million vulnerable children.
The Impact of Climate Extremes
Recent visits to the Ulaya programme reveal a troubling pattern: severe weather events are becoming the new norm. The once predictable rainy and dry seasons have morphed into chaotic cycles of excessive rain followed by droughts. “We are witnessing climate whiplash,” says Elisei Chilala, the programme coordinator. “Farmers are unable to predict planting times, and their livelihoods are in jeopardy.”
The Mkondoa River, which once nurtured the land, has transformed into a destructive force. Major flooding events, once considered rare, have struck repeatedly since 2020, washing away crops and threatening infrastructure. “Climate change is impacting everything—health, agriculture, and water access,” warns Leonard Slaa, a newly appointed climate advisor for World Vision. The dire conditions have resulted in a surge of diseases such as malaria, exacerbated by stagnant water left by floods.
Aid Cuts Hamper Relief Efforts
As Tanzania grapples with these climate challenges, external support is dwindling. Foreign aid from wealthy nations plummeted by 26 per cent in 2025, severely affecting projects like Ulaya. This decline is particularly concerning for Tanzania, which received $3.2 billion in aid in 2024, as funds are increasingly redirected to countries facing conflict or instability.
The consequences of reduced aid are felt deeply at the local level. Nurse Ida at the Madudumizi clinic reports that vital medicines, previously supplied by USAID, are now unavailable. “People are falling sick but cannot afford treatment,” she laments, as traditional remedies become the only option for families struggling to cope.
A Community on the Brink
In nearby Zombo village, mothers trained in nutritional practices are now facing the grim reality of failing harvests. “We are very worried about the future,” says Rehema, a mother of five. “The weather is becoming more unpredictable, and we do not know how we will feed our children.” The community’s newfound understanding of nutrition is at risk of being rendered useless if they cannot grow sufficient food.
World Vision’s interventions, such as the establishment of deep boreholes for clean water, have significantly improved living conditions. However, shallow boreholes in higher-altitude areas are drying up, complicating access to water. “The climate crisis is undermining our progress,” Slaa explains, as they work to adapt to the new realities of extreme weather.
Navigating Future Challenges
As World Vision strives to recalibrate its approach to meet the challenges posed by climate change, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Farmers are being trained to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices, yet tensions between pastoralists and farmers over dwindling resources are beginning to surface.
The government is implementing measures to mitigate potential conflicts, but with climate pressures intensifying, the need for immediate, effective solutions is critical. “Families are facing unimaginable choices as hunger and instability grow,” says Yukiko Yamada Morovic, a technical director for climate action at World Vision International.
Why it Matters
The plight of rural communities in Tanzania underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address both climate change and humanitarian aid. As weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the struggle for survival will only intensify unless global support systems adapt to these evolving challenges. The resilience of communities like those in Ulaya hinges on sustained investment and innovative solutions that not only address immediate needs but also empower them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.