This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Problems Plague Ambitious Irrigation Plan in Africa
Tanzanian rice farmer Zwena Mvena, 20, says a new irrigation scheme has helped very little.
Listen
0:00
Listen
Tanzania hopes to jump-start its agricultural production by dramatically increasing the use of irrigation. The government of the East African nation plans to quadruple the amount of irrigated land to almost 2.5 million acres over the next four years.
Existing irrigation schemes have had significant, but unintended, consequences. Tanzania has suffered crippling electricity blackouts for months, as water once used to power hydroelectric plants is diverted to grow rice.
Meanwhile, rivers that formerly filled their banks year-round have begun to dry up. Worse yet, rice yields are up only slightly, if at all.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
