Bone dry, dusty and windy, the vast plains outside Arusha are often a sight of despair and hopelessness during the height of the dry season.

Such was the situation in most of the Maasailand for the past one year. The dreadful situation was too obvious even for travellers along the Great North Road; Arusha- Namanga and Arusha- Minjingu.

The horror sights were not confined to the major roads. The situation was equally pathetic inside remote villages in the hinterland, especially in Monduli, Longido, Simanjiro and Ngorongoro districts.

Within a few days from the beginning of December, however, things have changed for the better. The undulating hills covered with green grass are back to the area, thanks to benevolent skies.

Read more … (The Citizen, Tanzania)