MANAonline
Machinga farmers urged to do crop diversification for more gain
By Doricah Mkwapatira
Machinga, April 11, Mana: Agricultural authorities in Machinga have urged farmers in in the district to practise crop diversification and livestock farming to ensure food security throughout the year.
Machinga Agricultural Development Division (ADD) Chief Land Resources Conservation Officer Emmanuel Chirwa made the call during a recent district agricultural field fair, which was held at Mwamadi village ground in Traditional Authority Nkula.
Chirwa said good agricultural practices are ideal for sustainable crop and livestock production in the wake of climate change.
“Farmers need to diversify, especially in the times of climate change so that if one crop doesn't do well, they survive on other crops for food security.
“On top of that, farmers should also engage in livestock rearing for financial stability and be able to support their households,” he added.
Chirwa also emphasised fruit and vegetable cultivation in reference to one farmer at Mtubwi Extension Planning Area in Machinga who is growing banana for a living.
During the fair, held under the theme ‘Diversification for Sustainable Food and Nutrition, Climate Change Mitigation and Economic Empowerment’, farmers showcased various farm produce, constructed elevated and improved goat kraals and displayed ways of preparing nutritious food, among others.
The agricultural fair also appreciated goat pass-on programme among farmers and a fish pond managed by women as part of aquaculture integrated farming.
Stella Moses, a goat farmer who showcased her improved goat kraal, testified of the benefits of modern livestock farming practices, saying adoption of such practices improved income at household level and living standards.
“Since I adopted the elevated kraal method, my goats are very healthy because of good ventilation in the kraal, improved sanitation, reduced parasite infestation. I also collect manure which I apply in my garden for crop production as well,
“My goats and crops bring so much returns such that I am now able to support my whole family, send my children to school and afford nutritious meals" she added.
During the agricultural fair, farmers at Traditional Authority Nkula were acknowledged for their remarkable adoption of good agricultural practices such that Mtubwi Extension Planning Area (EPA) was regarded as an outstanding EPA in Machinga.
Traditional Authority Nkula expressed gratitude over the recognition and concurred with the call for crop diversity, saying farmers need to adopt good farming practices to ensure Machinga becomes a food basket.
“We are feeding ourselves and have more to support other districts like Balaka and Mangochi. If we go by the advice from Machinga ADD, we can harvest enough to feed the whole eastern region,” he added.
Nkula further encouraged farming households to intensify best farming practices and to diversify crops to pass on good agricultural practices to the next generation to ensure continuity.
Machinga ADD, in collaboration with partners such as Sight Savers, Bayer Malawi, NBS Bank, Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (Cadecom) in the Zomba Diocese, One Acre Fund, Development Concept, Glowbest, Youth Impact and Farm Radio Trust, supported the district agricultural field fair.
Chiefs for a peaceful electoral campaign
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, April 11, Mana: Chiefs in the area of Traditional Authorities (T/As) Kachere and Kaphuka in Dedza district have vowed to support candidates vying for various positions, as long as they have development agendas and agree to conduct their campaign peacefully.
The two chiefs made the sentiments on Thursday during a community dialogue with community members organized by Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec) and Oxfam aimed at supporting women, youths and people with disabilities to participate during the September 16 General Elections.
Speaking in separate interviews, Group Village Headmen (GVH) Mgundadzuwa under T/A Kachere assured voters that, as chiefs, they will not tolerate violence against other political opponents.
He said: “We have aspirants from all major political parties. All we want is issue-based politics and not violence. As chiefs, we are therefore encouraging voters to go to rallies and make informed decisions.”
On the other hand, GVH Fosa under Chief Kaphuka, warned politicians to avoid uttering words that incite violence.
“We all have a role to play during the elections. I appeal politicians to tell eligible voters what they will do once ushered into some positions.
“Unfortunately, some politicians incite violence. We don’t want that," he said.
In his remarks, one of the facilitators from National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE), Vincent Kalawa, said the dialogues were crucial, saying people were able to express their views and also know youths, women and some people with disabilities who are competing during the elections.
“We currently don’t have a female parliamentarian in Dedza. Youths and people with disabilities are also not in some positions. These engagement meetings are therefore very important," stated Kalawa.
With funding from the European Union, Oxfam in Malawi and Wolrec are implementing the Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy in Malawi Project that aims at supporting women, youths and people with disabilities who are contesting in the September 16 general elections.
MP calls for community involvement in project implementation
By Damiano Thengo
Nkhotakota, April 11, Mana: Nkhotakota South Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Brainex Kaisi has called on community members in Nkhotakota to show their commitment and responsibility when development projects are being implemented, saying this could assist in the construction of high-standard infrastructures in the district.
Speaking during a handover ceremony of a contractor who will construct a health post at Senior Group Village Headman Bamba headquarters in the area of Traditional Authority Nkhanga in the district, Kaisi said misconduct or misusing resources meant for developmental projects always leads to the construction of substandard and short-lasting pieces of infrastructure.
He further asked contractors to comply with project conditions and work hand in hand with the village committees that will be monitoring the project in order to satisfy the standards of the project.
"People should not fear the government or parliamentarian, but they should fear themselves that when they steal construction materials, they are going to construct substandard facilities, and in future, they will still cough out a lot of money for maintenance and rehabilitation," said Kaisi.
In her remarks, Traditional Authority Nkhanga commended government for the medical initiative, saying this will reduce the long distances that people in the area used to cover to receive medical treatment.
She further asked government through lawmakers and the Embassy of Iceland to consider constructing a secondary school in the area since children are currently covering 15 kilometres to access secondary school education, which leads to an increase in school dropout among learners.
Government of Iceland has pumped in over K1.2 billion for the health posts under the Nkhotakota basic service project, which will be used to build two health posts in the district within six months at Chinkhwamba and Bamba in Senior Chief Mwadzama and in Traditional Authority Nkhanga, respectively.
NCHE, FAWEMA disseminate guidelines for tertiary institutions
By Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, April 10, MANA: The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), in partnership with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWEMA) and the Ministry of Education, held a stakeholder's meeting on Thursday aimed at disseminating standardized Bridging Programme guidelines for both public and private institutions of higher learning in Malawi.
These guidelines will regulate tertiary education bridging programmes, thereby increasing access to and quality of tertiary education. Among other things, the guidelines include a minimum requirement for university enrollment: six credits at the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) or its equivalent.
Speaking during the meeting in Mponela Dowa, Deputy Director of Higher Education, Dr. Valentino Zimpita, stated that the guidelines will help establish clear standards for the programmes, ensuring consistency and quality.
“The Ministry mandated NCHE to coordinate the process of formulating the Guidelines for bridging programmes. This was done with a broader view to align with the Ministry’s policy and enhance the quality, effectiveness, and comparability of various programmes offered by different higher education institutions in the country,” he explained.
Zimpita said bridging programmes in higher education exist to facilitate quality enhancement, increase access, promote equity, inclusivity, and gender equality, and enable the acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills.
Chief Executive Officer for NCHE, Dr. Ambumulire Phiri, highlighted that the council developed the Guidelines in 2023 in response to inconsistencies, irregularities, and quality gaps experienced in the design, governance, and implementation of bridging programmes among higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country.
Among other things, the CEO mentioned that the absence of guidelines to harmonise and regulate bridging programmes in the education system, had risked undermining the goals and quality of higher education in Malawi.
In her remarks, FAWEMA Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Madimbo said the organization will directly support 1350 students, to attain higher education in technical colleges and public universities.
“We are excited to partner with the Ministry of Higher Education, NCHE, and the various institutions of higher learning to deliver this initiative that will increase access to tertiary education. FAWEMA will work with NCHE to enhance coordination and support to institutions of higher learning to strengthen bridging programs,” she added.
FAWEMA supported the dissemination of the standardized guidelines with financial support from the Mastercard Foundation through the “Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men”—a seven-year project implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education.
The two-day workshop was attended by 33 accredited universities, representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, education professional bodies, and regulators, among others.
SMEDI upgrades to computer aided designing in leather shoes
By Brenda Nkosi
Blantyre, April 10, Mana: Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) has trained 11 entrepreneurs in Computer Aided Designing and Manual Designing of leather shoes that minimizes shoe designing from two days to one day.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony on Thursday at the Leather Design Studio in Blantyre, SMEDI Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chezani Otaniele, said the leather industry is one of the fields that are ignored yet very crucial to the economic growth of the country.
“Shoes are one of the major imports in the country. We should recognize that we all start from somewhere and improve on it. This training will enable us improve on what we have been doing to satisfy the quality demanded by consumers,” he said.
He, therefore, encouraged the graduates to take advantage of the ban in import of security boots to satisfy the market.
“This is an opportunity for our entrepreneurs to take advantage of and utilize the skills they have learned. The country is relying on you to meet the demand and close up imports of leather security shoes. Apart from shoes, we should be producing our own belts, wrist watches and wallets,” Otaniele said.
Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) Programmes Coordinator, Ghebregziabher Ghebremedhin, who provided the training, said the training aimed at empowering local SMEs and institutions such as the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) with the design and development competencies that are essential for enhancing the quality and competitiveness of locally produced leather goods.
“By focusing on both hands-on skills and system-based design techniques, we are laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant, innovative, and productive leather industry in Malawi,” he said.
He said strengthening local capacity directly contributes to national goals such as import substitution, enhanced local procurement, and job creation, especially for youth and women.
“The importance of domestic production, particularly in areas like military footwear, cannot be overstated. It is not just about reducing costs or logistics; it’s about building national pride, creating sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring long-term sectoral growth,” said Ghebremedhin.
A participant to the training, Agrey Dzama, who is the Chairperson for Malawi Leather Union, described the training as important saying it will help them produce shoes with ease by using technology.
“Manual work is tiring and slow. This industry can only develop if we improve on quality, which also comes with technology just like the rest of the world.
Dzama applauded government for banning importation of leather shoes for men in uniform, saying this will promote their businesses.
Mumba impressed with local industries
By Brenda Nkosi
Blantyre, April 10, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done by local industries and has called upon Malawians to support them.
Mumba was speaking in Blantyre on Thursday when he visited House of Men (HoM) Apparel Industries at Ginnery Corner, a garment industry that sews uniforms and corporate wear.
“I am happy that our own industries are sewing quality things. I am happy because we have seen that they have orders from our own institutions like the Malawi Police. We need to grow our industry,” said Mumba.
The Minister, therefore, encouraged all businesses to register with the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) so that they have their grievances addressed.
“As much as we hear their complaints as individuals, businesses have more bargaining power if they do it collectively through MCCCI as they are offered a platform to discuss and raise their issues,” he said.
MCCCI Chief Executive Officer, Daisy Kambalame, encouraged the business community to register with the chamber.
“Most businesses don’t realize the role that the chamber plays in speaking on their behalf. When they come together, we are able to see where solutions to their problems are supposed to come from. This brings in better solutions that serves every business player,” she said.
HoM Managing Director, Brenda Chitanda, lamented lack of trust on goods offered by local industries.
“We have had to struggle to win trust that we can deliver quality clothing because we are a Malawi company. This makes business tough because each time you have to prove yourself that you are capable while those you are competing against don’t have such resistance,” he said.
Currently, HoM has 39 people employed some of whom work night shifts.
AFORD clears Mtambo’s resignation allegations
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, April 10, Mana: Alliance For Democracy (AFORD) has refuted allegations that its Vice President, Timothy Mtambo, has resigned from the party describing the claims as malicious and merely baseless fabricated propaganda.
The development follows various claims of Mtambo’s resignation from the party due to his absence from strategic negotiations.
Recently, the party’s president, Enock Chihana, undertook negotiations with potential political allies including United Transformation Movement (UTM), United Democratic Front (UDF) ahead of the general elections.
A statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Annie Amatullah Maluwa, says the rumour is an attempt to destabilize the party’s unity.
“The relationship between Chihana and Mtambo remains strong and intact. These unfounded rumors are a clear attempt to destabilize our party and undermine its unity,” reads the statement in part.
AFORD has assured the nation of the party’s leadership commitment to upholding transparency, honesty and unity focusing on delivering its unchanged priorities.
Malawi will, on September 16 this year, hold tripartite elections where eligible voters will cast their vote for ward counsellors, Members of Parliament and the Head of State.
As the countdown to the tripartite elections continue, on April 8, 2025 four political parties announced the formation of an electoral alliance involving Freedom Party, Peoples Development Part, Peoples Party and Malawi Forum for Unity and Development.
Construction of Ngerenge dispensary excites communities
By George Mponda
Karonga, April 10, Mana: Construction of a K97 million Ngerenge Dispensary in the area of Senior Chief Kilupula in Karonga has excited communities who have been traveling long distances to access basic medical care, often facing challenges along the way.
The dispensary, which has been constructed with Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds, includes two staff houses to provide accommodation for healthcare workers.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday, Grievance Committee Chairperson for Ngerenge Dispensary, William Mapunga, said the facility will bring the much needed healthcare services closer to home.
"People were travelling almost eight kilometres to get to Kiwe Health Centre but once opened, the dispensary will serve as a vital lifeline for the community, providing essential medical care and improving overall health in the communities," Mapunga said.
Echoing the sentiments, Mariana Simutowe from Giliya Village, Senior Chief Kilupula said the dispensary will help a lot of women who trekked long distances to neighboring Kasoba and Kiwe health facilities.
"For many of us, we cannot afford transport which is almost K20, 000 to and from the Health Centres. Things will change now because Ngerenge Dispensary is within a walkable distance," said Simutowe.
Acting Director of Planning and Development for Karonga District Council, Khumbo Mkandawire, said their aim is to implement full package projects, which will improve service delivery in communities by bringing development closer to people.
Mkandawire said: "We have been constructing health facilities with staff houses in areas where people were complaining of long distances, we have also constructed schools in areas which are remote and in the process, we have improved school enrollment in the district."
"When implementing these protects we work together with the communities from the time the contractor is introduced to them to the end. We have project management committees which comprise community members and they help in monitoring the projects to ensure they are of high standards,” she added.
Mkandawire, however, lamented the devaluation of the Kwacha, failure of contractors to complete projects on time and delays in receiving funding from the central government as some of the challenges they faced during implementation.
Government injects K14 billion in Karonga rice projects
By Patience Harawa
Karonga, April 10, Mana: The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) says government has injected K14 billion towards completion of the Nthola-Illola Irrigation Scheme and a modern rice-milling factory in Karonga.
GBA Manager responsible for Infrastructure Development, Snowden Kautsi, said this in Karonga on Wednesday during the handover ceremony of the contracts to China Civil Engineering Limited and Sico Civils.
Kautsi said the two projects faced delays due to funding challenges and the importation of construction materials exacerbated by forex shortages.
He expressed optimism that the allocated funds would ensure timely completion of the remaining works.
“Government has now allocated K14 billion in the current budget towards completion of the works.
“The rice milling factory will involve construction of two warehouses, perimeter fence and an administration block, while at the irrigation scheme, which is at 90 percent, it will involve construction of canals and installation of pipes among others,” said Kautsi.
The construction of the irrigation scheme is projected to take 36 months while the agro processing facility is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Chief Irrigation Engineer for Karonga Agricultural Development Division (ADD), John Bvutula, hailed the projects as being perfectly aligned with the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) blueprint.
“These two projects resonate well with the MW2063 especially on the pillar on agricultural productivity and commercialization. This project aligns with government’s efforts to promote irrigation development and enhance household food security.
“The project will increase the area under irrigation, boosting rice production and income for local farmers. Many farmers will benefit from this development leading to improved livelihoods and economic growth in the area,” he said.
Secretary for Nthola-Illola Cooperative, Alick Nthakomwa, expressed relief and optimism following the announcement of the irrigation schemes completion timeline emphasizing the direct benefits it will bring to the livelihood of local farmers.
“This is good news for members of the cooperative and the wider community. We have been patiently waiting for the completion of these projects which will bring economic transformation for our families and the country as a whole,” Nthakomwa said.
Serve communities with diligence – Kasungu Mayor
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, April 10, Mana: Mayor for Kasungu Municipality, Innocent Nkhoma, has called for hard work and servant leadership amongst the council’s employees, saying residents deserve good services from duty bearers.
He was speaking in Kasungu on Wednesday when the municipal council awarded best performing members of staff for the 2024/2025 financial year.
“We urge our employees to have passion and develop a spirit of hard work all the time for us to accomplish our mission to become a city. We have a lot of work to do so that we change the face of our town,” Nkhoma said.
He encouraged workers in different sectors to work in collaboration, saying it is crucial for the municipality to achieve tangible progress in its development efforts.
“When different departments work as one, problems are solved faster than expected. So, we must all pull in the same direction so that we achieve our objectives with ease,” he said.
Masiye Banda, from the Health Department, won the Employee of the Year accolade and went away with a certificate and K320, 000 cash prize.
“I feel on top of the world after getting such an award. I have realized that hard work pays. I have always tried to be punctual as well as disciplined to achieve this.
“To a large extent, I owe it to my workmates for being good partners and together we can achieve great things for the good of the people we serve,” Banda said.
Chairperson of the awards organizing committee, Ophman Ndekha, said they decided to award the best performing employees as a token of appreciation to those who showed outstanding performance in their departments.
“We decided to award employees to instill a mindset that prompts them to work hard for the betterment of our organization and improve service delivery for the benefit of the people we serve,” he said.
The municipality spent K2 million on the activity.
