By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, January 24, Mana: Director of Administration and Human Resource for Likoma District Council, Moses Jere says 543 households have benefitted from relief maize which is under 2024/2025 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Program in Likoma District.

Jere said this on Friday at Chizumulu Island on the sideline of the distribution exercise of the relief maize to Chizumulu Island beneficiaries as one way of reducing hunger to the families where each household went away with two bags of 50 Kgs of maize.

“The purpose of this maize distribution exercise is for the people to benefit including their families. They must consume at family levels, this means that they will be very productive not only at community level but even at national level,” said Jere.

A beneficiary of the exercise at Chizumulu, James Mfaume said he was grateful to government for the maize saying it will help in reducing hunger in many families.

“Personally, I am thankful for this program, you know many people are starving because they do not have food in their homes, I am lucky to be part of this program, if possible, government should increase the number of people to benefit from the program,” said Mfaume.

He then asked fellow beneficiaries to use the maize for its intended purpose saying the two bags if taken care of can cover the families for two months.

Ward Councilor for Chizumulu island, Barnabus Sambamo said the distribution exercise has come at the right time as many people have been stricken by hunger on the Island.

"The distribution of maize is very important to us here on Chizumulu Island. We truly appreciate receiving it, especially given the hunger that often affects the island. Most of the time, people experience food shortages between January and March. This maize will provide much-needed relief,” said Sambamo.

He then thanked government for considering people from Chizumulu as well as Likoma Islands to be part of the program.