FIVE regions in Tanzania are threatened by famine following a rodent invasion that has destroyed several hectares of crops and seeds in farms and barns. “The rodents are multiplying at an alarming rate in some regions, where a house can host up to 300 or 400 rats. It is alarming,” said an agriculture ministry official, who requested anonymity. The official said he was not in a position to know how many tonnes of crops have been destroyed so far in the affected regions of Arusha, Iringa, Singida, Tabora and Ruvuma, which cover over a fourth of Tanzania’s land area. He said the awesome presence of large armies of rats was first noticed about two months ago and the government immediately responded by sending pesticides. In Tabora region’s Igunga district, rats have eaten cotton, maize grains and other foodstuffs and even gnaw at people’s toes. “It is risky sleeping without washing your toes here,” said Igunga District Commissioner Bernard Mtala from Igunga. – AFP