By Aisha Chiwaya

Salima, April 19, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has distributed 50 kilogramme bag of maize to each household in response to the prolonged dry spells that have severely affected farming communities in Salima.

Speaking during the launch of the relief distribution, Disaster Risk Management Officer for Salima Gloria Chinangwa said the emergency response aims to support 4,393 households across all 12 Traditional Authorities (TAs) in the district.

“Salima continues to face serious challenges in sustaining basic livelihoods. During the last rainy season, the district experienced poor crop yields, which plunged many households into extreme poverty.

“This emergency maize distribution, made possible through government support, is aimed at minimizing the impact and providing immediate relief,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Maggie Saidi, expressed gratitude for the support and urged both government and development partners to do more by supporting the affected households.

“We are thankful for the support. However, we appeal to government, NGOs, and other well-wishers to assist us with other necessities for survival.

“It’s time government should invest more in irrigation farming. I have lived long enough to know that the current rainfall patterns can no longer guarantee a good harvest. What we lack are the right farm inputs and knowledge in modern farming methods,” she said.

The distribution comes a week after World Vision provided Likuni Phala to Early Childhood Development Centres under TA Kalonga in response to the ongoing crisis in the district.

Both interventions reflect growing concern over food insecurity in the district and the need for long term solutions to climate related challenges facing Malawi’s agricultural sector.