MANAonline
Big 2 Project training youths in sustainable agriculture
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, October 8, Mana: Youth led organization called Big 2 Project is providing trainings in sustainable agriculture practices to young farmers in the country with an aim of making them self-reliant and increase crop production.
The training involves organic farming practices and commercialization of irrigation farming to cope with challenges posed by climate change.
Founder and Manager of Big 2 Project, Blessings Mlelemba, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday that they introduced the trainings in May 2024 as one way of dealing with economic pressure that youths are facing.
“There is potential in young people and if given the opportunity, it is possible to improve lives of thousands. Malawian youths are capable of doing great and sustain the livelihood of their country through agriculture,” he said.
Mlelemba said that the training is helping youths in their lives, citing that many who were not involved in agriculture have started doing serious farming.
“Achievements are great and beyond our expectations. We receive people on a daily basis and we move into different areas to offer advice on farming pursuits and the impact is impressive,” he added.
However, Mlelemba said that it may take time to achieve their dream saying lack of financial support is slowing the rolling out of the project.
“Resources for trainings are on personal savings from my farming projects, consultations and little registration subscription that people contribute when they want to register with us which is Mk5, 000 for full trainings,” he explained.
One of the participants of the training, Lusungu Chimbiri, expressed her gratitude to the project for their dedication and expertise.
"I joined the training because I've always been passionate about farming. As a first time farmer, I wanted to enhance my knowledge and skills in agricultural techniques and improve crop yields. This training offered me the perfect opportunity to network with fellow farmers,” she said.
Chimbiri added that she had already started seeing the benefits in her farm as things are going as they had been trained.
"The training has been beneficial as I've gained knowledge in things like pest management, disease prevention, and organic farming as well as business planning,” she said.
Another farmer from 6 Miles in Zomba, Nelvin Mussah also hailed the project saying the knowledge that he had acquired will be helpful in increasing production and in coping with climate change.
“From the training I have learnt how to make manure and identify crops that are profitable. Additionally, I have learnt the proper farming methods to use,” Mussah said.
Big 2 Project had demonstration gardens in Lunzu (Blantyre) and Mchinji where the trainings targeted youths from all over the country.
MPC still vital in Malawi’s technological era
By Priscilla Phiri
October 8, Lilongwe, Mana: Central Region Manager for Malawi Posts Corporations (MPC), Bernard Kamphandule, asserts that the corporation has maintained its relevance amidst technological advancements in the country.
Kamphandule made this statement on Tuesday at Lobi Post Office in Dedza, during a tour in preparation for the commemoration of World Post Day.
He emphasized that in 150 years of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), MPC has successfully delivered mails and parcels both nationwide and worldwide, among other services offered in the country.
“MPC has made E-Commerce easy in Malawi, as you know many people order goods online from other countries and for the goods to get here they require our services.
We also offer reliable and affordable courier services in all our 180 post offices that we have here in Malawi including the rural areas which are hard to reach by other courier services, so you can see that we are still active and relevant in our service to the people of Malawi,” he said.
Kamphandule further mentioned that MPC has formed strategic partnerships with institutions that align well with their core values by offering services on their behalf to clients across the country.
“MPC has also partnered with financial institutions like NBS and First Capital Banks where we offer their services at our offices on their behalf whereby people are able to withdraw money, access and service their loans as well as make deposits.
“Through estate agents, we have also managed to let out our spaces in some of our offices to NEEF, NRB among other organizations which has benefitted Malawians as well as MPC,” explained Kamphandule.
Post Master for Lobi Post Office, Francis Chiwaya, noted that despite the country’s technological advancements, business is still thriving at Lobi as the office remains operational in the area.
“We want Malawians to know that developing technologically does not negate the relevance of Post Offices, MPC is still operating and for those that are not yet able to send mails electronically, we are here to serve them diligently,” he said.
Chiwaya further elaborated that some residents at Lobi Trading Center still utilize the post office for sending job application letters, parcels, and accessing financial services provided through MPC’s partnership with NBS Bank, among others.
During the tour, MPC delegates also visited Kawale Post Office in Lilongwe, where they met Evelyn Chalira, a Biwi resident, who accessed NRB and NEEF services within the Post Office premises.
Chalira appreciated MPC’s partnership with other institutions, stating that having all services operating under one roof saves time and money that could have been spent commuting from one office to another.
World Post Day is commemorated globally on October 9th each year. This year, the commemoration is taking place under the theme ‘150 years of enabling communication and empowering people across nations’.
Demokalase Yokomela Aliyense Project to support under privileged political aspirants
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, September 8, Mana: Women's Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) Programme Manager, Charity Mazengela said the organization in partnership with Oxfam Malawi intends to drum up support for female, youths and people with disabilities who intend to contest on various political positions in the 2025 General Election.
Briefing various political party representatives on Monday in Mzimba during a meeting which Women's Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) and Oxfam Malawi organised, Mazengela said the initiative will be supported by European Union (EU) funded Demokalase Yokomela Aliyense Project.
"We will through the project among other things provide a wide range of assistance to the targeted groups, including transport during the campaign period but this will be meant for candidates who would have paid for nomination fees themselves,” said Mazengela.
Gender Officer for Mzimba, Naomi Mwale hailed Worlec and Oxfam Malawi for the initiative saying the district has low numbers of women, youth and people with disabilities representation in elected positions.
"Out of eleven Members of Parliament (MPs) we only have two female MPs while out of 22 ward councillors, we have only two female councillors.
We hope the Demokalase Yokomela Aliyense Project will assist many female aspirants come out to contest for various position come 2025 General Elections,” said Mwale.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Councillor for Manyamula Ward, Kefasi Chisi challenged female political aspirants to develop robust campaign manifestos that should attract potential voters.
“We should come up with brilliant manifestos and speak and develop public speaking skill so that we face potential voters with confidence when the campaign begins,” said Chisi.
She said most female aspirants shy away from competing with men and that this counteracts strives to achieve of 50/50 representation in different political and development fora.
United Transformation Movement aspirant councillor for Perekezi Ward, Loveness Kanyinji touted the initiative for pledging to support under privileged political aspirants in different forms.
"To be frank, political campaign is expensive and our hope as budding political aspirants is on the project’s support," said Kanyinji.
SanaM Supermarket shopping changer in Area 49
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, October 8, Mana: Residents of Areas 49, 51, 25 and 50 in Lilongwe have described the opening of a third SanaM Supermarket in Area 49 as a shopping changer to most of them.
The Area 49 shop is third after Mponela in Dowa which was opened in 2007 and Area 18 in 2013 and the uniqueness of the shops are that they are right in the hearts of the resident’s homes.
The shop was opened a year ago and is strategically located close to Kaunda Road just adjacent to Best Oil Filling Station.
An area 25 resident, Ken Mtonga said on Tuesday in Lilongwe that, “The shop has reduced the need to travel long distances to town to buy small items, both during the week and on weekends.”
He added that customers now have a variety of transportation options, including personal vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles (Kabaza), while those living nearby can simply walk in and out.
“We no longer knock off early to rush for shopping and we are just driving straight to SanaM to buy our things calmly without thinking of traffic,” Area 49 New Gulliver resident, Jack Chonzi noted.
He said shopping was only meant to be done during weekend in the morning, if you are to avoid long traffic lines which is particularly huge during time of knocking off.
A lady business woman from Area 51, Mable Phiri said the new shop offers a variety of goods which assists her business.
“As a business lady, this shop has opened up various opportunities to us and we are able to reach this place in time and service our customers better too,” she explained.
Area 50 resident Kabaza operator, Moses Chikuni said this has offered a wide range of shops where we could choose and buy in small and bulky quantities.
He noted that Kabaza operators are flocking to the area, ferrying customers, which is a clear sign that the shop is conveniently located within the community.
Manager for SanaM Supermarket, Muhammad Iqbal said they are happy that customers are coming to buy at their shop.
“They are commending us that we are providing better services to them as compared to other shops within town to which is a plus to us,” he said.
Farmers hail newly opened Phwezi-Uzumara Road
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, October 8, Mana: Farmers from Uzumara, in the area of Senior Chief Mwankhunikira in Rumphi, expressed optimism on Monday about making higher profits from their produce, thanks to reduced transport costs with the opening of the new Phwezi-Uzumara Road.
The farmers expressed their happiness at Uzumara during the inauguration of the eight-kilometer earth road.
Petros Mbale, a farmer and grocery shop owner in Uzumara, noted that transport costs between Uzumara and Phwezi Market would be significantly reduced.
He added that farmers would now be able to transport their perishable produce to Phwezi Market on time, improving their overall profitability.
"Motorcycle used to cost us about MK6, 000.00 to transport farm produce such as tomatoes to Phwezi.
“With the new road, prices have already started to drop. Today, we saw the first vehicles use the road. We expect vendors will now come directly to us, which will further reduce our transport expenses,” said Mbale.
Another farmer, Dorothy Mzumara said that she used to pay up to MK4, 000.00 to transport one bucket of tomatoes to Phwezi and hoped that she will make more profits due to accessibility to the area.
Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central, Chidumba Mkandawire said that he was happy that the people of Uzumara have been connected to Phwezi and pledged to continue upgrading the road further.
"We have been implementing a number of development projects such as construction of school blocks, teachers houses among others and I am happy to have added the road to that list.
Traditional leaders and I kept knocking on the doors of Roads Authority Offices to achieve this. I am happy that they responded positively and now vehicles can pass through this road for the first time," said Mkandawire.
Senior Chief Mwankhunikira also said that, though being an earth road, it is a milestone achievement in the development of the area.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said the road would ease challenges that people of the area have been experiencing in transporting their farm produce.
He added that government through Rumphi District Council is also working hard with different stakeholders to provide electricity, and clean and portable water in the area.
Roads Authority funded MK70 Million towards construction of five bridges on the road and people of the area rehabilitated the road as community contribution to the project.
Paramount Chief Kawinga for women and marginalized groups inclusion in politics
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, October 8, Mana: The Yao Paramount Chief Kawinga has assured all Women Legal Resources (WORLEC), Oxfam Malawi and other stakeholders drumming support for participation of women and other marginalized groups in politics that chiefs will continue providing necessary space and support ahead of Malawi’s 2025 general elections.
The Yao Paramount Chief made the reaffirmation at his Nanyumbu headquarters on Monday during WORLEC and Oxfam Malawi organized engagement meeting with chiefs and religious leaders to discuss gender transformative and inclusion of marginalized groups in democracy.
With support from European Union, WORLEC and Oxfam Malawi organized the meeting to encourage the leaders to encourage meaningful participation of women, youth and marginalized groups in political processes and decision-making.
Paramount Chief Kawinga said Machinga chiefs had already started the initiative as they created conducive environment for women and people with physical disabilities to take part in politics such that two women aspirants became Members of Parliament out of the district’s seven constituencies while two persons with physical disabilities became ward councilors of 14 wards.
“As Machinga district, we are on the right track in as far as putting women, youths and people with disabilities into various positions,” he said, citing two female Members of Parliament, Esther Jolobala for Machinga East and Fyness Magonjwa for Machingas South East, two female ward councilors and two Ward Councilors with physical disabilities.
Kawinga also mentioned two female traditional authorities saying this was not mean achievement in as far as the inclusions of the marginalized groups is concerned. Adding that chiefs in the district will continue to give room to women, youths, and the marginalized groups to participate in various positions, including elective political positions.
The paramount chief added that; “We are geared to do more as we have more trust in people that performed well during their tenure of office.”
Kawinga said other districts in the country can learn from Machinga on empowering women, youths and people with physical disability.
“We are ready to do awareness in other districts regarding issues of empowerment. We are on the right track and we will do more in the forth coming general elections,” added Yao Paramount Chief.
WOLREC Executive Director, Maggie Kathewera Banda applauded Machinga chiefs for embracing gender issues in their respective areas, saying WOELEC was expecting more women, youths and people who are physically challenged in both political and local leadership positions.
Banda however reminded chiefs that they were crucial in mobilizing women, youths and marginalized people to be part in the 2025 general elections saying their voices matter the most in the communities.
Earlier in the day, WORLEC and Oxfam engaged district level political leadership to orient them on the same project.
WOLREC and Oxfam Malawi are implementing a project called Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy in Malawi in seven districts including Machinga with funding from the European Union.
Alleviating the plight of people with NCDs through PEN
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, October 07, Mana: In the heart of Malawi’s Neno district, 71-year-old Richard Mabvuto clung to life, a frail yet resilient figure in the face of adversity. His battle with hypertension took a devastating turn one fateful day when his body betrayed him, leaving him paralyzed. Yet, against all odds, Mabvuto’s story didn’t end in tragedy. While he continues to grapple with the aftermath, his journey is far from over.
From his hospital bed, Mabvuto recalls the day that changed everything. His voice trembles as his eyes fill with tears.
“I remember my legs giving in, I couldn’t move or stand. I thought it was the end,” he says. “But people found me, rushed me to the hospital, and here I am today, alive to tell the story.”
Mabvuto’s experience is just one of many faced by those living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs such as hypertension, stroke, cancer, asthma and diabetes account for 70% of global deaths in low and middle-income countries like Malawi and the burden is even heavier with 82% of premature deaths due to NCDs occurring in these economies.
In a bid to address the growing NCD crisis in Malawi, Partners in Health (PIH) known locally as Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU) launched the Package of Essential NCDs (PEN-Plus) project in September, 2023.
The initiative, expected to run through August 2027 is designed to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of NCDs by providing critical care and resources to vulnerable populations.
PIH has been operating in Neno since 2012 reaching over 5,000 people with NCD care. The PEN project offers lifesaving services such as treatment for diabetes and hypertension, post-acute health system recovery and ongoing care management.
Mabvuto is one of the beneficiaries of the PEN-Plus project. His wife, a pillar of support during his recovery beams with hope as her husband slowly regains his independence.
“My husband was so close to death,” she recalls. “But now, he’s improving every day. He can even do small tasks by himself. It’s like we’ve been given a second chance at happiness. Truly, there is always hope, even when things seem impossible.”
Another life transformed by the PEN-Plus project is that of 60-year-old Flora Livison, whose leg was amputated due to diabetes.
“I was on the verge of death,” she says. “But with support from health workers, I’ve stabilized. I’m on treatment now. It is possible to live with diabetes.”
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, PIH continues to deliver high-quality healthcare to underserved communities.
From building infrastructure like Neno District Hospital and introducing advanced NCD clinics to renovating facilities in response to COVID-19 and Cyclone Idai, PIH has left an indelible mark on the district’s healthcare landscape.
PIH Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Banda said the organization together with the Malawi Government spends about US$ 175,000 per month to achieve their mission of helping government in advocating, designing and implementing a universal health system centred in community empowerment, equity and social justice.
“We believe in what we call the theory of change which basically looks at delivering high-quality health services while we accompany the government,” Banda says.
Banda says they support their clients by providing them with food and transport money to come to the hospital and get medication as medicine alone can't work, adding that resources are not adequate and they are looking for more partners to help in the delivery of safe health care.
In 2007, PIH constructed Neno District Hospital which was opened in 2009 including its fence, oxygen generating plant and planted a high-capacity generator, a variety of hospital equipment, paved ‘Dr. Keith Road’ from Lisungwi to Neno Boma to shorten the distance between the hospitals by 68 kilometers.
Banda adds that PIH also constructed integrated chronic care clinic at Neno District Hospital and a maternity wing at Ligowe Health Centre. Beginning in 2018, Neno District became the first district in Malawi to introduce Advanced NCD clinics.
PIH also constructed houses for 23 families in Neno who were affected by Cyclone Idai, renovated isolation centre, screening shelters and water systems in response to COVID-19 and constructed a High Dependency Unit at Neno District Hospital.
Despite the tremendous progress made, challenges remain. Neno Director of Health and Social Services, Haules Zaniku notes that extreme poverty limits many patients’ ability to follow prescribed treatment plans especially when special diets are required.
“Some clients need specific food that they simply can’t afford. It’s a real challenge,” Zaniku explains.
With a US$2.8 million grant from the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), PIH is expanding its reach. While PEN services are available in all districts, full PEN-Plus services are currently limited to Neno, Salima and Karonga.
Through training healthcare workers, decentralizing NCD clinics and scaling up public awareness, PIH aims to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for patients across Malawi.
The story of PIH’s work in Neno is not just one of medical care - it’s a testament to the resilience of human life and the power of community. People like Mabvuto and Flora who once faced the grim prospect of death are now living testimony that with the right care, support and determination, even the bleakest diagnoses can be transformed into stories of survival.
Their journeys remind us that hope, in its most powerful form, is not just a feeling but a lifeline and in Neno, that lifeline is being woven, one patient at a time.
Mama Amina Foundation distributes food items worth MK5 million in Likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, October 8, Mana: Mama Amina Foundation which is an Islamic Organization on Monday distributed relief food items which included maize, sugar and cooking oil among others to the tune of MK5 million to 150 Muslim households in Likoma district.
Speaking during the distribution exercise of the items at Likoma Mosque, Director for the foundation, Hassan Malick said the organization decided to carry out the exercise and one way of rescuing people from effects of food insecurity.
“We assessed people’s livelihoods and the result indicated we should intervene by providing them with such items,” said Malick.
Sheikh Abudul Mbewe of Likoma Mosque commended the organization for the donation which he described as a timely intervention towards reducing starvation in the district.
“We are thankful for the food items as they will help less privileged families to have food and we welcomed the initiative,” said Mbewe.
Ward Councilor for Likoma Island, Ernest Gulu thanked the organization for the support which he said will go a long way in complementing other social support programs in the district.
One of the beneficiaries, Regina Mgada said that the assistance has come at the right time when she had no food to provide for her family.
“I am thankful to the organization, I did not have anything to provide for my family and many people here we are depending on mangoes as main food. May Allah bless these people so that they continue assisting us,” said Mgada.
World Vision Malawi calls for youth economic empowerment
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 8, Mana: Programme Manager for World Vision in Dowa and Kasungu, Arnold Tsalayekha has called for investment into the youth to realize Malawi's 2063 agenda of youth economic empowerment.
He made the remarks on Monday at Lipili in Traditional Authority Kayembe in Dowa, when World Vision Malawi handed over 45 sewing machines to youth who underwent a six-month training in tailoring, and 15 other machines to be used for training of other youth at Lipili.
He said one of the solutions to empower the youth in line with the Malawi 2064 agenda is to equip them with vocational skills for self-sustaining economic endeavors.
"If you look at the MW2063 agenda, the youths are supposed to be very productive and have a responsibility of contributing to the economic development of this country. But they need help.
"So by strengthening their different skills, we are not only empowering their productivity on an individual level but also on how they can partake in the national development and realization of our goals," he said.
Apart from tailoring skills, World Vision has also supported and trained other youths in motorcycle repair, welding, and fabrication.
The donation is worth MK22 million.
Currently, World Vision has partnered with the Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational, and Education Training Authority to continue training the youth as the organization plans to leave the area after 18 years of the programme’s intervention at Lipili, with support from World Vision New Zealand.
"As we are leaving, we leave an empowered community that is very productive, has a vision for their future, and a community that will be able to sustain the interventions in place.
"And even when other organizations come to this area to work, I think they will find it easy because they will find a community that is already prepared for development," he said.
19-year-old Winnie Custom of Yohane village in an interview said the donation will boost her vision of economic independence.
"We used to rent sewing machines which we were using, and that was expensive. But with my machine, I will be able to improve on my income generation, which I can use in taking care of myself, my parents, and help realise my dream of owning my shop," she said.
She then urged other young girls not to look down upon themselves but strive to achieve their dreams saying anything is possible with determination.
Another beneficiary, George Junior Banda of Lipili village thanked World Vision Malawi for the donation saying this will help the youth become better versions of themselves, rather than spending time engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
"In the future, I would also like to train other youths so that they can also be self-reliant," he said.
Friday Kalonga, Chairperson of Kayembe Area Development Committee in his remarks said they will make sure the donation is put to its intended purposes by making sure the beneficiaries sign a Memorandum of Understanding and that they abide by it.
SULOM waits for report on Bullets and MAFCO game.
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, October 7, Mana: Super League of Malawi (SULOM) says they are waiting for a report from the officials who officiated the football match in the TNM Super League between FCB Nyasa Bullets and MAFCO FC that played on Saturday 6 October 2024 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, Deputy Secretary for SULOM Donex Chilunga said what happened at the stadium during the game between FCB Nyasa Bullets and MAFCO was out of football.
“We have seen a clip circulating on social media about what happened in the game and we are shocked by the scenario. This is unprofessional as far as football is concerned. This should not happen in our football, especially in our super league,” he said.
Chilunga therefore said that they are waiting for a report from those who officiated the football match for them to take further action.
“We are going to investigate on what happened but based on what we have seen in the video clip on social media, it is a thing which is not supposed to happen in our football. It is very shameful in our football as we are trying to rebrand, reform and revive. So we are going to sit down and discuss the issue after receiving the report,” said Chilunga.
In a separate interview, Chris Kalichero from Referee Association of Malawi said they are also waiting for a report from match assessor so that they can have a picture on what happened in the match.
“Referee works with match assessor therefore as of now I cannot say anything. Let me consult match assessor,” he said.
Kimu Kamau, sports analyst said what happened is bad for our football and that MAFCO should apologize to Football Association of Malawi and to Bullets.
“We need an apology from MAFCO. Three players for Mafco: Vitumbiko Phiri, Blessings Chandiyang’ana and Francis Black who were involved in this malpractice should receive punishment because what they have done is contrary to football,” he said.
Kamau advised that SULOM should act fast and make its decision to fine the three MAFCO players.
MAFCO Football club on its page through Captain Paul Ndhlovu has apologized to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Wongani Lungu for what happened in the match.
On the day, the match ended 1-0 in favor of Bullets as Maxwell Gasten Phodo scored in the 15 minutes of the first half.
