A recent survey by the Social, Political, and Economic Barometer (SPEC) found that some 8.4 million people in Tanzania skip
meals daily to cope with the economic hardships in the country. The survey also found that 17 million people have drastically reduced expenditures on essential household items in response to spiraling prices of basic commodities.
Tanzania possess vast amounts of natural resources including gold, diamonds, coal, platinum, uranium, tin, and other minerals. They are the third largest producers of gold in Africa, right behind Ghana and South Africa. Tanzania is also known for their beautiful national parks that generate a large tourism sector.
So why are families having to go without meals? It only appears that not enough time has been given to the country. The current president Jakaya Kikwete and his government have received accolades for fighting corruption, investing in people, particularly education, and push for new investments. A lot still needs to be done. But these successes have led the United States to grant Tanzania $698 million under the Millennium Challenge Account assistance program. The UK government gave $500 million for education as well.
Devastating droughts and the fight against AIDS and malaria will be a long battle, However, Tanzania seems to be on a great path.
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