MANAonline
MFC to enhance soil productivity for Mega farmers in Malawi
By Lily Kampani
Liwonde, September 10, Mana: Malawi Fertilizer Company (MFC) has committed to supporting farmers in the country to increase soil productivity by providing quality soil-specific fertilizer called ‘Super Fert fertilizer’ that will contribute to enhancing crop yield in Mega farms.
Speaking on Tuesday in Liwonde during a Mega farm tour of their state-of-the-art, Liwonde fertilizer terminal, MFC General Manager, Chris Keen said their company aims to provide tailored blends, water-soluble and organic fertilizers as well as expert advice to mega farmers on the best fertilizer to use for their crops and soil.
“This event was necessitated from a combination of a drive from Mega farms to find technical solutions for the mega farmers and to look out for people who were willing to look seriously to providing the technical advice to the mega farmers while at the same time providing the product to them.
“As a fertilizer company ourselves, it is extremely important to look at these mega farmers as they are our future and see how we can put hands together and use our expertise to help them and make them more productive”, Keen explained.
Keen emphasized that they would ensure that the fertilizers are affordable to mega farmers as an investment in their productivity.
“As with any of our technical support, there is a range from a cost-effective solution where the farmer can pay minimal in terms of analysis cost and other costs for technical expertise.
“This might include someone that is starting from a more ground reach basis right up to potentially technical services and Agri-economic services of precision farming which entails hundreds of soil samples and a lot of intervention from the business, that is catered towards a higher level of farming, so it’s something that will have to be tailor-made for each of the farmers”, he said.
Chairman for mega farmers in Mponela, Jonathan Kamakanda described the event as enriching and beneficial to promoting crop productivity and increasing their technical expertise on best farm practices.
“We have come to learn and understand the nature of the different soils we have in Malawi and what kind of fertilizer is best suited to it to improve our yield”, said Kamakanda
Kamakanda further said they have been assured of the cost-effectiveness of acquiring the expertise and the fertilizer, which won’t hinder them in accessing these important services and products.
Chief Agri-business Officer for Mega farms unit, Macdonald Chikhawo said MFC has imparted knowledge to the farmers on how they can get inputs that are tailor-made and how to improve on the productivity component.
“Farmers have been encouraged to use fertilizer based on the soil testing because now they will make well-informed decisions as to what specific types of fertilizer, they should get for their fields so they can attain the ultimate goal of improved productivity”, Chikhawo said.
He further stated that their farmers are linked to markets where they can sell their products so they can enjoy the benefits that NFRA (National Food Reserve Agency) is offering to the Mega farmers of selling their produce at good market prices.
The Liwonde fertilizer terminal can produce fertilizer at 120mt per hour and has a market share of approximately 45 percent across all sectors.
Chitipa Council to mainstream disability issues in development plans
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, September 10, Mana: Chitipa District Council has assured the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare that it will mainstream disability issues in district development plans, which the district is formulating.
Director of Planning and Development for Chitipa, Jossen Tembo said that the district will make sure that all programmes in the district are disability inclusive.
He said this on Tuesday during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting organized by the Ministry of Gender under Sparking Disability Inclusion in Rural Transformation Programme (SPARK) project, which is coming to an end this September.
Tembo said that the gains the district made under the SPARK project will continue to support persons with disabilities in the district.
“The gains we have in Phase 1 of the project should be sustained and inclusion of persons with disabilities is adhered to, in all the projects and programmes in the district.
“As we are formulating our Village Action Plans (VAPs) and District Development Plan (DDP) we need to mainstream issues of disability in our documents,” Tembo said.
Speaking during the same DEC exit meeting of SPARK project, Willard Muwawa, Disability Affairs Officer, in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, said that the project has yielded fruits as most persons with disabilities are participating in the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) funded projects.
“We have seen that there is a big impact on that one. But we are appealing to Chitipa and other district councils to mainstream issues of disabilities because a lot of people with disabilities in the communities do not participate or benefit from other projects or programmes that are done at the council,” Muwawa appealed.
The SPARK project was implemented in four districts of Chitipa, Nkhata Bay, Kasungu and Thyolo, promoting disability inclusion in government programmes funded by IFAD projects like; Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE) and Financial Access for Rural Markets, Smallholders and Enterprise (FARMSE) and Programme for Rural Irrigation and Development (PRIDE).
Cholera outbreak hits Chitipa
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, September 10, Mana: Chitipa District Hospital (DHO) has confirmed one case of cholera and nine suspected cases at Kapenda Health Centre in Senior Chief Mwabulambya in Chitipa District.
In an interview, Chitipa District Hospital Spokesperson, Masida Nyirongo, confirmed the cholera outbreak.
Nyirongo said that patients at the health centre have been presenting with signs and symptoms of cholera and are all receiving treatment at the health facility.
“Cases have been increasing and we have ten cases as of today (Tuesday). Results of one suspected case from the laboratory indicate positive. So once one is cholera positive automatically it is an outbreak,” Nyirongo said.
He said that Chitipa DHO staff are on the ground at Kapenda to assess the situation.
Senior Chief Mwabulambya expressed concern with the news, saying it also occurred same time last year.
He further said that there is a need to engage all stakeholders to support the health workers to go on the ground and sensitise the masses on the importance of having pit latrines and practicing good hygiene.
Last year Chitipa district registered 96 cholera cases and three deaths, which hit the northern part of Chitipa district.
President Chakwera inspires farmers in Chikwawa
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, September 10, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has encouraged farmers in Chikwawa District to take advantage of the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP) to realize desirable fruits and transform their lives.
Chakwera was speaking on Tuesday during his visit to the SVTP site where he was briefed on the significant progress made by the initiative aimed at transforming agriculture in the country.
Project Coordinator for SVTP, Dr. Stanley Khaila pointed out that by June 2025, at least two cooperatives in the area will begin irrigating their farms using the infrastructure developed under the programme.
The initiative, designed to transform farming in the rift valley from reliance on rain-fed agriculture to irrigation, is expected to not only boost food security but also enhance the livelihoods of small-holder farmers.
Chairperson of Kambadwe Cooperative, Samso Beyadi expressed gratitude to President Chakwera and the First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera for the visit and for supporting the agricultural transformation effort.
Beyadi observed that the project has the potential to significantly improve the lives of cooperative members by boosting food production, increasing incomes and creating jobs in the valley.
At the time of leaving the SVTP, President Chakwera took a moment to offer words of encouragement to the farmers.
He emphasized that the programme, once fully operational, would bring tangible benefits to the community, a message that further energized the farmers.
VP Calls for Action on implementing structures in forestry Sector
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, September 10, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Bizwick Usi has called on Malawi’s forestry sector to put into action the structures designed for forest conservation, emphasizing their importance for the country’s economic development.
Speaking at the launch of the Forest Plantation Fee Structure Report and a Public-Private Engagement on Forest Plantation in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Usi highlighted the misalignment of current forest pricing policies with community needs.
He pointed out that this misalignment has led to a minimal contribution of forests to Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The implication of our forest policy pricing demands immediate action. Over the past five years, the forestry sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been a mere 0.1 percent.
This low contribution is a reminder of the gaps in policy enforcement and evaluation of forest resources, hindering both revenue collection and sustainable waste management,” Usi stated.
Recognizing these challenges, Usi mentioned that Modern Cooking for Healthy Forests (MCHF), with funding from USAID and in collaboration with MwAPATA, conducted a comprehensive study on Malawi’s forest fee structure, which aimed to assess whether revenue generation can sustain production.
“This study provides evidence to decision-makers, comparing the current fee structure with those in the Sub-Saharan Africa region to guide the establishment of an effective and competitive fee structure,” he said.
Usi also stressed the need for effective implementation structures and a conducive environment for private sector participation, which he deemed crucial for the success of environmental initiatives in the country.
He further instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change to name those involved in corruption within the forestry sector to address the corruption challenges currently affecting development.
Echoing Usi’s sentiments, MwAPATA Executive Director William Chadza emphasized the importance of the study, noting that it highlights the status of the country’s forestry sector in economic development.
“The research on assessing forest plantation fees and prices was undertaken to make a comparative analysis of our prices with those in other Sub-Saharan regions.
“This will inform decision-making on how forestry and plantation contribute to the social and economic development of the country and how it can be enhanced,” Chadza said.
He also urged authorities to allocate sufficient resources to the forestry sector to manage the country’s forests effectively.
Chakwera urges Malawians to support tourism industry
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, September 10, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has encouraged Malawians to consider patronizing Majete Wildlife Reserve as one way of supporting the country's tourism industry.
The President was speaking in Chikwawa when he together with First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera visited the game reserve.
Before the tourist attraction, the president also inspected construction works at Kandeu Secondary School, which is being constructed under the Secondary Education Expansion for Development Project.
Meanwhile, President Chakwera is inspecting the construction of a water treatment for the flagship Shire Valley Transformation Project in Chikwawa.
Later in the day, the Malawian leader is expected to switch on electricity at Pende Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority Kasisi under the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep 9).
Authorities in Rumphi urge communities to protect forests
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, September 10, Mana: Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi has urged communities in the district to intensify their efforts in protecting forests to ensure the sustainability of natural resources in the district.
Chikulamayembe who is also Malawi 2063 Natural Resources Conservation Champion was speaking Monday at Bolero during the signing ceremony of forest management plans under Market Transition to Enable New Growth and Opportunities (Mtengo) Project.
The plans, which were developed, by Kango Forest Reserve and Kafinyengo Forest Reserve in with support from District Forestry Office will among others promote tree planting.
They also comprise forest protection by-laws with stiff penalties that have been prescribed against those who break the agreed laws.
He said people depend on nature for many things such as water, energy and others thereby putting too much pressure on natural resources, hence the need for them to implement the plans for effective forests’ conservation.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said trees play an important role in sustaining water sources.
“If we destroy our forests, we will all suffer and the vice can also affect rain patterns which can lead to food insecurity, hence the need to protect our forests," said Bulukutu.
The chairperson for Kango Forest Reserve, Gomezgani Chavula said the plans will bring sanity to forestry management at the community level.
The project’s objectives, among others include promoting sustainable and scalable climate smart practices and technologies for improved food security.
The initiative is implemented through Total Landcare and Winrock International with funding from United States Department of Agriculture.
DC Dowa urges tough fight against corruption
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, September 10, Mana: District Commissioner for Dowa Stallichi Mwambiwa has urged the Institution Integrity Committee (IIC) to enhance the fight against corruption at the institution as one way of improving service delivery.
He made the remarks Monday in Salima during a three-day Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) Training and Consultations for the core team from the council, being facilitated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
He said one of the factors affecting service delivery is corruption; hence, the CRA core team must identify all loopholes which may facilitate the emergence of corruption.
"Corruption is a sickness which can deteriorate our performance. It puts to risk the plunder of public resources. It benefits a few at the expense of the multitude we serve. It can kill our integrity as a council.
"This committee therefore must carefully scrutinize all loopholes, and opportunities in any office or sector that may lead to corruption to effectively prevent it," he said.
Mwambiwa praised the team saying he was confident that the committee would lay strong foundations of preventing corruption at the institution.
The training has been financed by contributions from various sectors of the council.
On this, Mwambiwa said it proves that the whole council is determined to fight corruption at the institution.
"The only way we can reward the sectors which have made this training possible is to maintain the vibrancy of this committee and provide tangible results in our fight against corruption.
"However, I should emphasize that CRA is not witch hunting, but rather only an approach that involves assessing an organizations systems and procedures to determine where weaknesses may give rise to opportunity for corruption," he said.
Dowa council IIC chairperson Amigo Wiseman in an interview said the workshop focuses on developing CRA tools, management process, action plans for risk mitigation, implementation, measures and control amongst others.
"It is a demanding process, but we are determined to achieve this because we will be sharing ideas from different perspectives.
"We anticipate that CRA will provide management with information needed to deal with corruption effectively and complement informed decision-making," he said.
Mwanza District stakeholders assured of K50, K20 bank notes validity
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, September 10, Mana: Community members in Mwanza have been assured that the K50 and K20 bank notes are still in use in the country and that they are produced by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) to ensure the currency is locally available.
The assurance was made by the RBM Currency and Operations Manager Samuel Senzani at an awareness meeting on Monday organized by the central bank in conjunction with Mwanza Police aimed at sensitizing stakeholders in the district on the importance of the K50 and K20 bank notes, care, their identities and availability of the Malawi currency.
“Everyone has the right to use any form of money whether coins or paper, in large or small value,” said Senzani.
He then condemned the tendency of some business community members in the district who refuse to receive K50 and K20 from customers and those who give change in the form of sweet instead of hard cash saying doing so is an infringement of customers’ rights.
The meeting which was attended by traditional leaders, traditional healers, the clergy, masters and mistresses of ceremonies, business community representatives and the police was also an opportunity for the central bank to find out why some people are denying such small notes.
In an interview, Reverend Frackson Kathumba who attended the meeting called upon fellow clergy to refrain from threatening their followers that God will not bless them if they bring the small bank notes to the church saying such behaviour is giving the impression that the small bank notes are useless.
“Let people bring whatever little they have as long as it is coming from deep down their hearts because God will not refuse it,” said Kathumba.
In a separate interview, a business lady who sells second-hand clothes at Chipatala Market in the district Grace Suliya commended the RBM for organizing the meeting saying it was an eye opener for her as she will start now using the K50 and K20 as recommended currency.
“Sometimes things happen because of ignorance but following this sensitization, I am going to share the same message with my fellow business operators who have not been with us at this meeting,” said Suliya.
Mwanza Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Hope Kasakula pledged that police and stakeholders will scale up the awareness campaign to the rest of the areas of the district on issues like counterfeit money so that the communities should be alert.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that there is compliance on use and protection of our currency,” Kasakula,
DC says ICT skills critical for the youth to be relevant
By Salome Gangire
Neno, September 10, Mana: District Commissioner (DC) for Neno, Rosemary Nawasha, has said Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills are crucial to the youth for them to thrive in today’s digital era.
She was speaking Monday at Neno Integrated Youth Development Center (NIYDC) during a graduation ceremony of 32 youths who graduated after undergoing an ICT course at the institution held under the theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for the Achievement of Agenda 2063".
Nawasha said in this digitalization era, ICT skills are an indispensable asset, therefore, she encouraged the youths to build their digital competence.
"The Neno Integrated Youth Development Center is becoming a hub for ICT skill development providing invaluable training to our young people. The skills you acquire here will enable you to compete in the global job market and contribute to the realization of Agenda 2063,” Nawasha said.
She therefore urged more youth in Neno to seize the opportunities by taking advantage of the institution and develop their ICT skills.
Centre Manager for NIYCD who is also the District Youth Officer, Ian Sukali appealed council and other organizations in the district to employ youths, particularly in roles such as data entry and digital management.
“Our mission is to provide youth with ICT skills that are practical and relevant to the job market. These graduates now possess the tools to excel in various sectors and we hope local companies will provide them with opportunities to apply their skills,” Sukali said.
Sukali also disclosed that the centre will soon start issuing Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (TEVETA) certificates to the graduates.
One of the graduates, Paul Clifford said the training will help him in his future endeavors.
"The skills I have gained here will be invaluable as I move on to tertiary education. The world is going digital, and I feel ready to meet the challenges ahead," Clifford stated.
Group Village Head Donda also praised NIYDC for its impact in the district, noting the centre has transformed lives through digital education.
"It is pleasing to see the centre producing not only graduates but also tutors who are products of this institution. The centre’s influence on our youth is visible, and it’s making a real difference in our community," he said.
Neno Integrated Youth Development Center (NIYDC) was opened by President Lazaruus Chakwera on 19th July 2022.
