The latest Global Hunger Index (GHI) report, which was released as part of the commemoration of World Food Day, has disheartening news for Tanzania and the entire Great Lakes Region.

The report paints a gloomy picture of the food situation in the region, saying eastern African countries, including Tanzania, are among 29 nations around the world facing alarming hunger.

The GHI is based on data gathered from 2007 and earlier years, so its analysis and assessment might not reflect the current situation on the ground. However, the variables used to reach its conclusions are contingent and scientific enough to make concrete forecasts.

Although no deaths linked to hunger have been reported in Tanzania so far, the Government and its agencies admit and contend that all is not currently well in the country, especially in the northern regions.

In its August monthly economic review, the Bank of Tanzania says that although the food situation was generally satisfactory by July, some areas were facing food insecurity.

National Food Reserve Agency figures show that the grain stock had fallen to 88,841 tonnes by July from the 128,919 tonnes in January.

Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives Stephen Wassira said when World Food Day was marked nationally in Sumbawanga on October 16 that at least one million people in the country were facing serious food shortages.

It is the same Mr Wassira who recently said there was no cause for alarm over the food situation. While we appreciate the efforts being made to ensure that no family starves to death, we also think it is time a lasting solution was found to what has become a perennial problem.

And part of it includes commercialising and modernising our farming and addressing logistical snags that lead to food rotting in some parts of the country when others are starving.

Tanzania has favourable climate, plenty of water and abundant arable land to feed not only itself, but also the EAC and Sadc member countries.