MANAonline
AIP beneficiaries hails government for the subsidy fertilizer at Chizumulu
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, November 27, Mana: Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) beneficiaries in Chizumulu have praised the government for providing subsidized fertilizer, stating that it will play a significant role in reducing hunger in their households.
In an interview on Wednesday, Loveness Chavula from Msalowa Village said the program will help people to harvest bumper yields hence sustaining their livelihoods as people will have adequate maize in their homes.
“The program will help many people to harvest adequate maize, meaning that at least we are going to save a lot of money from buying expensive maize from vendors, many households will be relieved of hunger,” said Chavula.
Another beneficiary, Brave Malawila from Chizumulu, expressed his satisfaction with the program, noting that he only pays a small amount for the fertilizer and has not faced any challenges in accessing it.
“We access the fertilizer without encountering any problems, government pays a lot of money on our behalf and we are only paying MK30,000 for NPK and Urea, government is doing a commendable job for us, otherwise its not easy for many to buy from the shops,” said Malawila.
He then thanked government for the program and asked fellow beneficiaries to use the fertilizer for the intended purpose.
The 2024/25 Affordable Inputs Programme in Malawi is a program that is aimed at providing affordable Agriculture Inputs to farmers, its goal is to improve food security, nutrition and agricultural productivity.
Chakwera condemns mob justice
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, November 27, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has condemned mob justice that is still happening in some parts of the country saying the tendency is counterproductive.
President Chakwera made the remarks at Kacheta Trading Centre in Lilongwe Msinja North Constituency on Wednesday during a whistle stop tour aimed at encouraging people to register so that they take part in the September 2025 general elections.
He said his government will not allow anyone to take the law into his hands saying once caught; the law shall take its course.
"We need to change our mindset. There is a tendency in this country of destroying government property such as classroom blocks, forgetting that when you destroy such infrastructure it takes time and more resources to replace it.
"This is a peaceful country and we should continue living as one despite political or religious differences," he said
Chakwera asked the people to register in large numbers so that they vote for leaders of their choice in 2025.
Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Msinja North, Sosten Gwengwe, thanked government for various developments that have been implemented in his area.
"Your Excellency, this area had no electricity but now under your leadership people are enjoying the fruits of your government," he said.
Gwengwe urged people in his area to register in their large numbers so that they vote for President Chakwera in the forthcoming general elections for development that he has started to continue.
CDF Canada to boost fish farming in Nkhotakota
By Beauty Ziba
Nkhotakota, November 27, Mana: Cooperation Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) is set to implement a five-year Integrated Aquaculture Agriculture Systems project in Nkhotakota district, as one way of combatting food Insecurity in Malawi.
In an interview after a District Executive Committee meeting held at the Nkhotakota District Council Chamber on Tuesday, CDF Forest Extension Specialist, Batson Mazungwi, said the project is integrating different components such as fishponds, livestock agriculture, crops and trees whereby if people adopt it, they will be able to harvest more food and generate more income as well as better nutrition.
"We want to train fish farmers through our partners so that they should be able to produce more high-quality dependable products and supply to the market throughout the country and beyond,” said Mazungwi.
Principal Fisheries Officer, Wyson Ngwira, commended the coming of the project to Nkhotakota, saying it is directly addressing some of the issues they are facing in the district.
‘We have many fish farmers in Nkhotakota with over 400 individual fishponds on a subsistence basis and the coming in of CDF Canada bringing in components on upscaling and marketing will help boost fish business for farmers across the district,’ said Ngwira.
Principal Agriculture Officer, Prince Shaibu, is looking forward to work with the organization in Nkhotakota to ensure the goals of combating food insecurity are achieved.
Council cracks down on cattle roaming
By George Mponda
Karonga, November 27, Mana: Traditional chiefs and Karonga District Council officials have joined forces to impound stray cattle found roaming the streets of Karonga Town in a move to boost sanitation and public safety,
In an interview with Malawi News Agency Wednesday, Group Village Head (GVH) Mwahimba said for some long time traders, customers and residents around Karonga Town have been complaining of the cattle which were just loitering around.
"In a collaborative effort, together with GVH Katolola, GVH Mweniyumba, and the ward councillor, we formulated new bylaws stating that any cow found roaming in town will be impounded, and owners must pay a K50,000 fee for its return."
"To this end, before commencing this operation we went around informing residents about the development and yesterday, we managed to impound over 100 cattle which are being kept at the Main Market Slaughterhouse and some owners have already come to get their livestock," Mwahimba said.
The GVH explained that since the individuals impounding the cattle are doing this on a voluntary basis, some of the money from the fines will be used as an upkeep allowance for them.
On her part, Tereza Mhango from Luhimbo Village who had her cow impounded said she will now be tethering it to ensure she is not fined anymore.
"I left my cow with a herdsman but he just let it run around and thats when it was brought here. I have paid K50 000 of my hard earned money to get it back and I have learnt a bitter lesson from this," he said.
Karonga Main Market Chairperson, Godwin Ghambi expressed frustration that despite repeated warnings, cattle owners have ignored pleas to keep their cattle from roaming freely, leaving authorities with no choice but to take action.
"Cows were eating vegetables on sale, obstructing traffick and defecating anywhere leaving a pungent smell around Karonga Town. If people cannot manage to keep their cattle responsibly around town, then it is better to send the cows to the village where they can roam freely without causing havoc," he said.
Dedza community tackles food insecurity with grain bank
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, November 27, Mana: Communities under Group Village Head Nyanga, Traditional Authority (TA) Kaphuka in Dedza have successfully mitigated the impact of the 2023/2024 drought through innovative grain banking and modern farming initiatives.
On Wednesday, over 40 households from the community benefited from the grain bank initiative, receiving three bags of maize, 15 kilogrammes of beans, and K20, 000 each.
Group Village Head Nyanga, the brainchild behind the initiative, said: "Our grain bank, established in 2010, has been instrumental in helping our community combat hunger and poverty."
Nyanga said the initiatives began as a village bank before evolving to incorporate maize and bean farming to enhance its impact.
“After fulfilling our household needs, we started lending excess produce to neighboring villages at a reasonable interest rate.
“This year we have amassed 600 bags of maize, 40 bags of beans, and a significant cash reserve. We are distributing these resources among our members and extending loans to those in need,” he said.
He said Self Help Africa supported the initiative with goats, fertilizer, fruits seedlings and conservation agriculture skills.
Eveta Gibsion, 76, said prior to the initiative she struggled to make ends meet surviving on piece works and charitable donations.
She said despite losing her husband, the initiative has stepped in to fill the gap and is able to provide for her seven grandchildren.
Self Help Africa Sustainable Production, Economic Growth Accountability and Resilience Programme Coordinator, Bulton Mwale, said the grain bank has helped communities to properly manage their farm produce.
“Nyanga Grain Bank is in line with the concept of Self Help Africa of community grain bank where people need to bring their harvest at one place during harvest so that during the lean season they are able to share out,” he said.
He said the initiative is in line with Malawi 2063, which promotes availability of food at household.
He commended collaboration between the community and leaders saying it has led to success of the initiative.
Zeze to host Zeze Experience
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, November 27, Mana: A renowned multiple award winning singer and song writer, Zeze Kingston, will on November 30 perform at Moneymen Ground in Blantyre under the theme 'The Zeze Experience'.
A South African based singer Mr Brown, Malinga Mafia, Gwamba, Kell Kay, Tuno, Quest, Afana Ceez, Nae Rae, Malimba Music, Black Don, Inkosi Jay Vee, Deo Grunger among other supporting artist have teamed up to spice the event.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday Zeze, who is also the organizer of the show, said the event is aimed at giving direct interaction on his music journey to entertainment lovers.
"Most shows are hosted during the night. This one will begin in the morning to show children, through music, how the journey of life begins. Later on, it will be scaled up for the elderly at night.
“Music is an integral part of cinematic experience since it has the power to evoke emotions, set people's mode and enhance storytelling. As such, I am urging people to come in large numbers to learn from my experience and should consider the event as a family day,” said Zeze.
Zeze popularly known as music Mayor said people should expect a lot of popping music and recipients will be given a performance, which will symbolize the value of their entry fee due to his energetic performance.
Some of the activities to take place at the event include family games, jumping castle, family-to-family interaction, fun land games section and dancing as DJ Drew, DJ Boo, DJ Nyenyezi and DJ V2G will be on the decks.
In a separate interview with the South African based 'Rain on Me’, hit maker, Mr Brown, said he is geared to share his music with the patrons.
"I am urging people to come in large numbers to experience new genre of music. I am ready to perform and entertain the people of Malawi since this show will give me a chance to interact directly with other musicians," said Brown.
Chimwemwe Damiano, one of the entertainment lovers commended Zeze for organizing the show, saying most of the times artist exclude children.
He said he is ready to partake the show together with his wife and two children.
"I am expecting harmony and good rhythm. The event has come at a right time where I and my family were looking for a place to spend the weekend. It is good to have a feel of live music because it's part of stress relief,” said Damiano.
Police condemn vandalism at Magawa Secondary School, three students nabbed
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, November 27, Mana: Police in Mchinji have taken into custody three students from Magawa Secondary School for allegedly masterminding protests by fellow students that led to of vandalism of property belonging to the school.
According to reports filed by police, some angry students on Monday torched the head teacher's office after 21 students were called for a disciplinary hearing for leaving the school campus premises without a permit.
Before the disciplinary outcomes were given, some students organized themselves and petrol-bombed the office.
The office had items whose value was not yet established, including books, shelves, tables, chairs, and other materials.
According to Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Limbani Mpinganjira, the police visited the scene and identified some exploded bottles suspected to have been used in the arson.
“Police have arrested three students in connection to the case, and investigations are underway to trace the other students behind the act who are still at large,” said Mpinganjira.
UCSSACCO drills Journalists in financial management
By Patience Longwe & Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, November 26th, Mana: The Chief Executive Officer for the United Civil Servants Saving and Credit Cooperative Society LTD (UCSSACCO), Francis Waliwa, has urged journalists in the country to develop a culture of serving money for investments and future use.
Waliwa made the call Tuesday in Lilongwe during a financial management training for the journalists drawn from central region.
He noted that many people in the country including journalists fail to embrace the saving culture because of the mentality of saying they will start saving when they start earning more money.
“No matter how little you get; it is important to save something. Remember any journey starts with a single step. So don’t underrate any amount you save,” he said
Waliwa said the main challenge that many people have in the country is that they are used to spending their cash on things they don’t budget for.
“Mind you, the money you spend on things you didn’t budget for, would have assisted you in the future if it was saved. Let’s have a culture of saving at least ten percent of any amount we get, your life won’t be the same again,” he said
Commenting on the matter, Lydia Banda, a journalist working with Ulimi Radio, hailed UCSSACCO for the training saying it was an eye opener to journalists on financial management.
Banda said it sad to see many people who were famous when they were working, but soon after their retirement they start suffering and others even die within short period of time.
UCSSACCO is a member owned institution that offer a range of savings and credit products to civil servants, parastatals and private organizations in the country.
The institution is rated among the top 10 best performing SACCOs in Southern Africa.
CDF Canada launches project to address food insecurity
By alexander Tchongwe
Mzimba, November 27, Mana: Cooperative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has announced the launch of a new project aimed at integrating aquaculture and agriculture to address food insecurity in Malawi.
Sponsored by the Government of Norway, the five-year initiative, running from 2024 to 2028, will target eight districts, including Mzimba, to promote sustainable economic and social development.
Speaking in Mzimba on Wednesday, IAAM Specialist for CDF Canada, Tiwonge Soko Nyirenda, explained that the project focuses on creating a self-reliant system by integrating fish farming with other value chains.
“The project integrates fish ponds with crops like rice, maize, yellow sweet potatoes, and fruit trees under agroforestry.
“This system allows farmers to use pond mud as fertilizer for vegetables and pond water for irrigating crops, minimizing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Livestock, such as rabbits, are also incorporated, with rabbit urine used as an organic fertilizer and pesticide alternative,” Nyirenda said.
According to Nyirenda, the project was inspired by the need to help farmers diversify their income sources, especially following recent challenges like Cyclones Freddy and Ana, which devastated fish farms.
“Many farmers rely solely on fish farming, and when disasters like cyclones hit, their livelihoods are wiped out. This project introduces diversification, so farmers can turn to other income-generating activities, like livestock or sweet potato farming, if one enterprise is affected. This boosts nutrition and economic resilience,” Nyirenda said.
Fisheries Officer for Mzimba South, Andrew Saukani, commended CDF Canada for the initiative, noting its potential to address key challenges faced by fish farmers.
The K841.3 million project targets 1,528 individuals across Malawi, with 167 farmers in Mzimba from areas such as Eswazini, Kazomba, Manyamula, Mbalachanda, and Zombwe.
A motorcycle rider dies in a road accident
By Nolious Gondwe
Mzuzu, November 27, Mana: A 30 year- old motorcycle rider, Peter Kaunda died Tuesday in a road accident which occurred at Msiki along Mzuzu-Ekwendeni M1 Road.
According to Deputy Public Relations Officer of Mzuzu Police Station, Cecilia Mfune, Kaunda was riding unregistered King-Lion Motorcycle from the direction of Ekwendeni heading Mzuzu City
She said that Kaunda collided with an oncoming vehicle, Toyota Hilux Pick- up, registration number CHS 2606 FS which was being driven by Aaron Hamilton as he was overtaking a truck and sustained severe head injuries.
“Kaunda was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mzuzu Central Hospital while Hamilton sustained minor injuries,” Mfune said.
She urged road users to exercise caution and adhere to road safety rules and regulations to prevent such type of accidents.
" We appeal to all road users to be vigilant in observing traffic rules to avoid loss of lives," she said.
Kaunda hailed from Mkondezi Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mkumbira in Nkhata Bay District.
