The climate is tropical. Rainfall is generally low and unreliable for rice growing. Rainfall in most of the north of the country is bimodal. Rains usually start in October and end in May, with dry months in January and February. The south experiences a single wet season from November to April.
Light intensity is good throughout the country.
Annual per capita consumption has risen from less than 15 kg in the 1970s to more than 20 kg. Imports, however, continue to be necessary. In 1994, Tanzania imported 90,000 tons of milled rice. About 17 million ha are thought to be potentially suitable for rainfed or irrigated rice. Principal areas of rice production are listed below, along with an indication of their potential.