MANAonline
Malawi secures US$45 million for soil health, fertilizer use
By Patricia Kapulula in Nairobi
Nairobi, May 10, Mana: Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has pumped in US$45 million to help in promoting agricultural productivity, soil health, use of fertilizer and conservation in order to help the country produce enough thereby achieving food and nutrition security.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, told Malawi journalists in Nairobi Kenya after President Dr Lazarus Chakwera held an audience with AGRA officials.
He said the funds, which would be made available to Malawi for a period of five years, was important as it targets value chains that would bring more money to Malawi.
“Partners have pledged support in different ways. We met International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) which we work with in irrigation. There is a US$5 million package that has already been secured to help us in soil management to increase productivity,” the Minister disclosed.
Kawale said the country was not food and nutrition secure because soil nutrition has been depleted hence the need to put in place mechanisms for soil management and the funding secured would help achieve that.
Chairperson for AGRA, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe said Malawi was endowed with huge natural resources hence the need for the country to depart from rain fed agriculture to irrigation in order to respond to climate change shocks.
“Our work is to have a sustainable production system given the climate change calamities and vulnerabilities. We are launching a programme on sustainable farming which talks of how to improve soil, land and soil degradation as well as deforestation,” he said.
AGRA is investing in a youth programme that will create 250,000 jobs for youths in agriculture, agribusiness and food systems.
AGRA is a Pan African institution, which works on inclusive agriculture transformation in Africa and Malawi is one of the 16 African countries in its programme.
In Malawi, AGRA has trained agriculture professionals on agronomy and breeding.
Malawi Eyes Economic Boost Through enhanced collaboration with India.
By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, May 9, Mana: The ministry of Trade and Industry held a Business Forum today at Bingu International Conference Center (BICC) in pursuit to enhance collaboration with India to boost economic and technological advancement. The key sectors discussed in dialogue are agriculture, renewable energy, and information technology. This strategic partnership is poised to bring a wave of benefits to Malawi, promising increased investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Trade and Industry, The Minister of Natural resources and Climate change, Michael Usi says India and Malawi can create a path towards shared prosperity and inclusive development.
Malawi, a country with vast agricultural potential, stands to gain significantly from Indian expertise and investments in this sector. The exchange of agricultural technologies and practices could revolutionize Malawi’s farming landscape, boosting productivity and ensuring food security for its population. Furthermore, Partnership in renewable energy hold promise for addressing Malawi’s energy challenges and transitioning towards cleaner, more sustainable power sources.
High commissioner of Malawi to India, Leonard Mengezi, highlighted the need for partnership between Malawi and India to create opportunities and consensual relations.
“Let us work together with determination, creativity, and a shared vision for a brighter future for Malawi and India.” Lengezi said.
One of the notable outcomes of this collaboration is the potential influx of Indian Businesses are eyeing opportunities in various sectors, attracted by the conductive investment climate and growth potential in Malawi. This investment surge is expected to create jobs, stimulate local industries, and contribute to overall economic diversification.
Moreover, the transfer of information technology know-how from India could catalyze Malawi’s digital transformation. Access to advanced IT solutions could empower Malawian businesses and institutions, driving efficiency and innovation across sectors such as healthcare, education and finance.
During recent discussions between Indian and Malawian officials, both parties emphasized the importance of friendship and good cooperation in realizing these shared goals. In response to Malawi’s calls for increased investment, Indian businesses have shown keen interest in exploring opportunities in the country. This signals a new chapter of economic collaboration, grounded in mutual respect and partnership.
Battle for points on
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, May 9, Mana: Mafco are in a tricky fixture on Saturday weekend as they face fifth placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa.
Coming from an away defeat against Premier Bet, Dedza Dynamos, Mafco have a mountain to climb in order to claim their first maximum points for the season.
Mafco was the only team in 2022 that hammered Bullets in the league when they played at Dedza stadium as their home ground but now are at their backyard.
Will Mafco repeat the magic they used at Dedza and become the first team this season to inflict defeat at the hands of the defending champions.
The Lakeshore giants are a fix as they are in the relegation zone with two pints from six games and are yet to post a win.
They need to utilize their home ground advantage when they play host to Bullets and they should revenge on cup defeats they suffered at the hands of the people’s team last soccer season.
Mafco seem to be going through a patch of poor results owing to the absence of their captain, Paul Ndhlovu and coach Prichard Mwansa who has not reported for duties at the club.
Will the caretaker coach, Technical Director for Mafco, Stereo Gondwe have the muscle to stop Bullets at home?
They have only managed to secure two draws against Kamuzu Barracks 1-1 at home and Baka City 0-0 away but lost away to Moyale Barracks 2-1, Silver Strikers 5-1, Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 3-0.
Fresh from Blantyre derby draw, Bullets will be itching for maximum points in order to narrow the gap with league leaders, Silver Striker currently at 13 points while Bullets have nine points.
They have won away once against Chitipa United 3-0 and they capable of replicating the same results against Mafco.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will welcome Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium and they have to gun for maximum points as catch up drive to the title.
Wanderers need to avoid wastefulness in front of goals as their main man, Christopher Kumwembe, when playing at home.
New revelation midfielder, Blessings Singini has duty to anchor Wanderers engine room like what he did in the derby encounter.
Battle for newcomers is on between FOMO and Baka City at Mulanje Park as the visitors will be seeking for their first win of the season and are anchoring the log.
Leaders, Silver Strikers have a date against Creck Sporting on Sunday and a win they will consolidate their lead.
Creck Sporting defence should keep a close eye on Silver’s joint goal scoring machines Adiel Kaduya and Binwell Katinji.
Playing at home, the Bankers have proved to be free scoring and Creck Sporting have a task to tighten their defence.
At Mzuzu Stadium, battle for second position will emerge as third place, Ekwendeni City Hammers will face Kamuzu Barracks.
Any for any team, they will push close to the leaders, Silver and a draw they will be overtaken by teams that are trailing them behind.
TNM Super League weekend fixtures are as follows and kicking off at 2:30 pm.
Saturday- May 11, 2024
Moyale Barracks vs Chitipa United @ Mzuzu Stadium
Mafco vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets @ Chitowe Stadium
FOMO vs Baka City @ Mulanje Park
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers vs Karonga United @ Kamuzu Stadium
Civil Service United vs Bangwe All Stars @ Civo Stadium
Sunday- May 12, 2024
Silver Strikers vs Creck Sporting @ Silver Stadium
Mighty Waka Tigers vs Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos
Ekwendeni City Hammers vs Kamuzu Barracks a@ Mzuzu Stadium
Living Waters Church talent exhibition instils community unity
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, May 9, Mana: Chimwankhunda Living Waters Church Youth Pastor, Reverend Amos Benjamin has encouraged the youth to participate in church activities, noting that their participation allows them to showcase individual spiritual gifts considering that the youth were future leaders.
Chimwankhunda Living Waters Church hosted a talent exhibition event aimed at showcasing a diverse of skills which youth gospel lovers have, and allowing them to share the gospel to each other.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, Benjamin said allowing the youth to display their talents can have a profound impact, noting that such events help to strengthen the bond among different groups as they foster a sense of togetherness and promote unity.
“In this time of entertainment, it is crucial to create space where young people can engage and feel entertained, while also hearing the word of God, fostering creativity and talent can make church attendance more appealing to the youth and encourage their continued involvement in church activities,” said Benjamin.
Benjamin added that people are often recognized not by their job titles but by their unique gifts and this signifies the importance of churches supporting young people in developing and displaying their talents.
He said it was vital for the church to provide opportunity for the youths to demonstrate their skills, because not only does it inspire them but also helps bring the community together.
Gospel lovers were treated to music performed by Twin-Light duo, a hip-hop group which consists of twin brothers Faith Crecile Nyirenda and Patience Jerry Nyirenda who performed beyond limits, among other dancing, poetry and drama performances.
Speaking in a separate interview, Patience shared his pleasure with the experience, saying their performance with his brother was successful due to thorough preparations before the event.
“We always think about the audience first which helps us decide what to deliver. We pray and practice to make sure we are ready for the event and we gave each other specific tasks for the stage ensuring a smooth and engaging performance,” he said.
In her remarks one of the attendees, Ruth Nyirenda said the success of the talent exhibition at the church demonstrates the importance of creating space for young people to express themselves and connect with their community.
Nyirenda expressed gratitude over the event, saying it brought positive influence to the youth.
“Events like these help us to overcome stress at the same time provides the much needed entertainment and also offer a valuable alternative to less constructive activities,” said Nyirenda.
Water supply schemes end water woes for communities in Mzimba
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, May 9, Mana: Communities in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mabilabo in Mzimba have commended Ministry of Water and Sanitation for constructing two solar-powered water schemes in their areas.
The establishment of the schemes has brought smiles on the people’s faces, as it marks the end of water woes which they have been grappling with for years.
Salome Gausi of Jamu Village in the area expressed gratitude that the community can now access potable water, courtesy of the K2 billion Msaka and Champhira Water Supply Schemes Project.
‘‘We used to wake up early in the morning to go out, fetching for water from unprotected sources where even livestock and wild animals drink from. We are now saved from both the distance of over a kilometre to where we were fetching water as well as water-borne diseases,’’ said Gausi.
Another community member, Lilian Moyo, of Group Village Head Germany Nthala, said some families were shaken because of the lack of potable water within the vicinity.
‘‘Some husbands used to accuse their wives of flirting with other men at the water source because of delaying in returning home as the sources are at far away distant places.
“So, with water taps at our doorsteps, all the problems are history. The two water schemes have brought back bliss in marriages,’’ said Moyo.
Speaking recently when he toured the schemes which are at a 90 percent completion, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Elias Chimulambe, said the project is being implemented under the Malawi Resilient and Disaster Risk Management Project funded by the World Bank.
“People in these areas for so many years have been getting water from swampy sources, hence the project,” said Chimulambe.
He added that though some works are yet to be completed, people have already started drawing water from some taps which have been installed in the villages.
“Commissioning of the project awaits its full completion by 30 May 2024 and the project will also benefit people in some villages under T/A Simulemba in Kasungu,” said Chimulambe.
According to the principal secretary, when fully operational, the schemes are expected to serve a population of over 89,000. Champhira Scheme will cater for 80,000 people while Msaka Scheme has a capacity to serve about 9,000 people.
“Government is committed to constructing more water schemes in rural areas of the county, as one way of providing people with potable water thereby promoting desired water and hygiene standards,” he said.
Chimulambe said construction of such infrastructure will address water challenges for people living in rural areas thereby meeting government’s aspirations in making sure everyone has access to safe water by 2030, as stipulated in the country’s Sustainable Development Goals.
‘‘We will therefore continue constructing these types of schemes in all other areas of the country to deal away with handheld boreholes which we are phasing out,’’ he said.
He added that the ministry is discouraging construction of hand held boreholes and that it is promoting piped water supply schemes.
He also said the ministry will train members of Mzimba South Water Users Association (WUA) in management of the two schemes for efficient utilisation and care.
According to chairperson of Mzimba South Water Users Association, Speck Chiumia, the scheme will contribute towards preventing water borne diseases.
Neno District Council distributes 300 goats to CBCCs
By Salome Gangire
Neno, May 09, Mana: Neno District Council through Investing in Early Years project has distributed 300 goats to 15 Community Based Child care Centres (CBCCs) and 30 households worthy K18 million in an attempt to promote sustainable nutrition interventions and livelihood support in rural communities.
Speaking on Wednesday at Tikondane CBCC, Principal Nutrition, HIV and Aids Officer for Neno, Lucius Viligilio Njobvu said the programme is aimed at empowering local farmers, enhance food security and support the nutritional needs of children within the society.
“By introducing goats into the communities, the programme promotes sustainable livelihood practices, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability,” he said.
Njobvu observed that the exercise is meant to improve nutrition status of households as it is anticipated that they will be slaughtering the goats for meat to improve their diet as it is a source of protein which is essential for growth.
He said besides improving nutritional status, the goats will also improve household income since beneficiaries will be selling the livestock which will in turn improve livelihood of individual households.
“The goats are on a pass-on programme and once they produce, will be passed on to the next household, this intervention is part of the project sustainability once it phases out” he said.
Group Village Head Chidakwani in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Chekucheku commended the initiative, saying the programme does not only support local farmers but also ensures that children have access to nutritious diet, which is crucial for their growth and development.
GVH Chidakwani advised the community to ensure the goats were properly taken care of as one way of sustaining the programme. She also urged her subjects to take full ownership and responsibility of the livestock.
Each household received five goats while the CBCCs received 10 goats each.
Joy as head teacher gets decent house
By Stevie Chirombo
Dedza, May 9, Mana: For Jonathan Maluwa, teaching is not just a profession; it is rather a passion which has since turned into a lifestyle.
He has been in the teaching profession for the last 10 years, and Kamtambo Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority Chilikumwendo in Dedza has been his home for all those years.
Maluwa is one of the longest serving teachers at the school, having joined over a decade ago.
For all the years he has been teaching, Maluwa has touched lives of thousands of children that have passed through the school.
However, despite his hard work, dedication and passion, he still had to walk a distance of around five kilometres to and from school, Monday to Friday on scorching heat or during rainy seasons solemnly because the school had no house to accommodate him.
Kamtambo Primary School has an enrollment of 890 pupils, 10 teachers and three classrooms.
This he says affects the delivery of quality education.
But what has kept Maluwa going even without a proper house at the school?
“I love teaching as a profession and I also love to contribute to the development of children, so even though the school had no house for the head teacher, I was walking a long distance to and from school. I was braving the cold weather, rains even the burning sun to come to the school.
"Being a head teacher, I was supposed to be living close by the institution but that was not the case. So it made my work very difficult to handle. Sometimes I was the last one to arrive at the school when in essence I am the one supposed to arrive at the school before everyone else," he said.
Maluwa said there is some kind of satisfaction that he gets from knowing that he is giving a foundation for many children to grow into useful and responsible adults.
Now, the news is totally different for Maluwa as, just a stone throw away from where the school is, a modern teacher’s house has been built with standard toilet, kitchen and electrical wiring, ready for connection to solar electricity.
There is also running water.
The house, standard kitchen and latrine have been constructed under the World Bank’s funded project, Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), to a tune of K59.2 million.
Maluwa is now the first person to arrive at the school and the last person to leave the campus.
"The construction of the teacher’s house has allowed a standard eight teacher to come and live within the school campus. This is a great development because now he will be managing morning and evening classes. This will give the learners an advantage to do well during their final examinations," he stated.
Maluwa however, said one house only is not enough since the school has ten teachers who stay in far areas. He therefore appealed to government and well-wishers for the construction of additional teacher houses.
"There is high need for more teachers’ houses to be constructed at the school to cater for all the ten teachers in order to improve the standards of education at the school,” he said.
The news of the construction of the teacher's house at Kamtambo Primary School has equally excited the surrounding communities.
The school committee chairperson, Madalitso Khovani, has since hailed the development.
"It is pathetic that the school that opened its doors decades ago could be operating without teachers’ houses. No wonder, performance of our children has not been good. However, we are now optimistic that with this kind of development, we will start seeing improvements," he explained.
Traditional Authority Chilikumwendo acknowledged the challenges that were there in the absence of the head teacher’s house.
"It was difficult to get hold of the head teacher, especially during weekends because he was staying far from the institution. When we needed his services during the weekends, it means we had to wait for the following Monday. But now the coming in of the teacher’s house is going to improve things," said the chief.
Member of Parliament for the area, Ouzious Chidobvu, said the improved accommodation in rural primary schools will lure more teachers wanting to teach even in the remotest areas.
"When teachers are coming to school from far areas, they arrive at the school tired and this affects their performance, but having the teachers’ houses at the campus will change that. Teachers will now be able to focus on teaching rather than thinking of the distance they cover to and from school every day," he explained.
Director of Planning and Development for Dedza District Council, Macpherson Mwakhwawa, said most of the projects the council implemented in the 2023/24 financial year have been completed and are being used by the communities.
He said the development is commendable to the council, as it translates to improved service delivery to the communities.
“Some were constructed under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), some under the District Development Fund (DDF) while some projects such as this one were constructed under the World Bank’s funded project, GESD.
“So, all these infrastructures are meant to enhance service delivery in the targeted communities. And with their completion now and them being used by the communities, this will alleviate the problems that were being faced in terms of service delivery and improve the livelihoods of the people in the district,” said Mwakhwawa.
He added that when teachers are provided with a conducive environment for their stay at a workplace, the expectation is on improved service delivery in terms of teaching the learners hence improving the outcome.
“We have the District Development Plan (DDP), and it is our goal that we should be able to implement it in line with the expectations and the aspirations of the communities we are meant to serve in Dedza District,” he said.
Rehabilitated community ground gives hope to Mchinji football
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, May 9, Mana: The rehabilitated Mchinji Community Ground has rejuvenated hope for Mchinji football development, as it has brought in a proper arena for football.
Decorated with a new VIP stand, standard grass pitch, change rooms, a proper perimeter fence and ablution blocks, the ground gives football enthusiasts hope that it can be home to football development in the district.
Eliya Phiri, coach for a local team Kanalero Football Club, said having a proper football field in the district is a plus for football advancement.
“The rehabilitation gives us a big opportunity, especially on the pitch which now has grass; this will reduce injuries. There is also a chance that established teams from elite leagues can come and play here, and this will motivate the young players who will learn a few things,” said Phiri.
He urged the authorities to take care of the pitch and make sure it is always green.
District Sports Officer Martin Panyanja echoed Phiri’s sentiments, saying the facility meets the standards and will be used perfectly to expose talent and developing talent in the district.
He however put emphasis on revenue collection.
“There is a potential that we have met some of the required standards and this gives us a chance to have big matches in the district. This will boost revenue collection as a council and hope to have more revenue collected,” said Panyanja.
Mchinji Council Chairperson Dorothy Musa said she was optimistic that football will be advanced in the district.
“Currently, the ground has all the relevant facilities a football ground must have. We believe hidden talent will be unearthed,” said Musa.
Commenting earlier when he toured the ground, Ministry of Sports Infrastructure Development Officer, McMillan Mwale, said he was pleased the council had heeded the suggestions given throughout the rehabilitation.
“I am glad that the football ground has all the necessary facilities as per our advice. The structure now has the standard facilities,” said Mwale.
The rehabilitation of the community ground was done through two funding windows in performance-based grants (PBG) under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF).
The ground, which will benefit thousands of football-loving people, used funds from GESD for the construction of VIP stands, upgrading the pitch, and installing solar-powered water tanks.
YASD to promote Green Skills to counter Climate Change
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, May 9, Mana: Youth Action for Success and Development (YASD) has embarked on promoting green solutions through the Local Green Innovations Champions Project (LOGIC) to empower and train youths and women in green skills to break their socio-economic barriers in society and respond to the climate crisis.
Speaking in an interview, Executive Director of the organization, Edward Msiska said the project which is being implemented in Dedza and Lilongwe focuses on green skills.
Among other objectives, it aims at equipping youths and women with the knowledge to engage in sustainable grassroots green businesses to combat climate change.
"Climate change has impacted the economic sector and further increased the vulnerability of women and youths in terms of economic empowerment. This project will therefore equip the youths and women so that they can gain practical experience in running green businesses," he said.
According to Msiska, the project also includes elements of advocacy and climate literacy, adding besides learning skills for green businesses, women and youths will also acquire leadership and advocacy skills to address issues that matter to them.
He observed that the project will address recycling issues, considering the challenges Malawi faces in waste management.
“Currently, the four cities in Malawi accumulate about 100 tonnes of waste, necessitating innovative approaches to waste management.
"For instance, YASD will recycle waste into wealth, with young people producing compost manure, creating tumblers from glass bottles, making fire briquettes from agricultural residues, and crafting notice boards from waste papers, among other initiatives," he said.
District Youth Officer for Lilongwe City Council, Wezi Kamanga commended YASD for its initiatives, saying it will empower young people to realize their economic potential.
The LOGIC project operates in Traditional Chitukula and Tsabango in Lilongwe, and Kamenyagwaza and Kachindamoto in Dedza district. It targets 160 youths, comprising 30 percent males and 70 percent females, and is supported by IM Swedish Development Partners with funding amounting to MK88 million.
CADECOM rescues 574 households in Nkhotakota from food insecurity
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, May 9, Mana: At least 574 households who were at risk of being affected by hunger in Nkhotakota district have received support from the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) under the state of emergency response initiative.
Speaking when addressing Nkhotakota District Executive Committee (DEC) members on Wednesday on the project report, CADECOM Lilongwe archdiocese Programmes Coordinator, Charles Matewere said the initiative was implemented following the declaration by State President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera of a state of national disaster in 23 out of the 28 districts of the country.
Matewere said the money amounting to MK100,000 was given to targeted beneficiaries to cushion them from hunger as many of them did not harvest enough due to adverse weather conditions which included drought and floods.
"As a Catholic organization, we thought it wise to secure funds and help these people based on Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR) assessment. We are looking forward to monitoring the situation in various communities where we have helped these beneficiaries to make sure that they use the money for the intended purpose" said Matewere.
He further commended the district council for enhancing good coordination when operating the initiative to make certain it is effective for all.
District Disaster and Risk Management Officer for Nkhotakota District Council, George Zibophe said as a council they are grateful for the continued effort being made to bring aid and hope to the affected families.
CADECOM implemented the cash transfer project with funding from a Scottish organization Scareful through the episcopal conference of Malawi.
