By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, November 22, Mana: In a quiet corner of Malawi’s agricultural landscape, a critical operation is underway to secure food for millions of people at risk of hunger.

On Friday, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), in collaboration with train operators, began ferrying maize from the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in Kanengo, Lilongwe to various regions of the country.

This step is part of an ongoing effort to combat food insecurity and provide relief to communities struggling during the 2024/2025 lean season.

The atmosphere at the Liwonde Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) warehouse is one of quiet urgency, as workers and officials from both DoDMA and NFRA coordinate logistics of getting maize to the people who need it most.

DoDMA Deputy Director for Disaster Response, Fyawupi Mwafongo, reflected on the significance of this moment.

“This is not just about maize; it’s about giving hope. For many families, this maize will mean the difference between having a meal and going hungry,” he said.

The consignment being transported is part of a larger initiative to address the needs of 5.7 million people who are at risk of hunger due to droughts, economic challenges, and other factors.

According to Mwafongo, the first batch of 4,000 metric tons is already in route, with 2,500 metric tons successfully transported by both road and rail.

“This is part of our commitment to ensuring that food reaches those who need it most, and we are using every resource at our disposal to make that happen,” he added.

For many households, the maize distribution is a lifeline.

“At the household level, we’ve committed to reaching over 1.1 million families so far, but this is just the beginning. We’re working tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind,” Mwafongo explained.

NFRA Operations Director, Cosmas Peleka, echoed Mwafongo’s sentiments saying NFRA has already procured 83,000 metric tons of maize to be distributed across the country.

So far, over 16,000 metric tons have been dispatched to DoDMA, with another 5,874 metric tons released to ADMARC to help stabilize prices.

Peleka spoke passionately about the importance of their work: “Every bag of maize we send out is a bag of hope for someone in need.”

As trains rumble down the tracks, headed to towns and villages where food is scarce, the faces of those working behind the scenes tell a story of determination. The men and women involved in this operation from the train operators to the warehouse staff are working long hours, knowing the critical role they play in feeding the nation.

For them, it’s more than just a job; it’s a mission. It’s about ensuring that even in the toughest times, Malawi’s most vulnerable citizens won’t go to bed hungry.