MANAonline
Go for Integrated catchment management and conservation, farmers urged
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, August 13, Mana: Machinga District Adaptation Fund Project Coordinator, Richard Thole says Integrated Catchment Management and Conservation can positively contribute to increased crop production for improved livelihood among farmers in the face of climate change effects.
He said this on Monday at Nanyumbu Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Traditional Authority (TA) Kawinga in Machinga District, during the launch of a district`s Integrated Catchment Management and Conservation project.
Thole said the new technologies which have been put into practice by the farmers around the EPA promote holistic approach to managing land, water and biodiversity, leading to enhanced conservation of ecosystems and improved ecosystem services.
He said farmers at Nanyumbu EPA where the project is being implemented were demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability thereby responding to effects of climate change.
“We are happy as a project that farmers are now adopting the new catchment management and conservation technologies. These technologies offer farmers a lot of advantages such as increased crop production that offers greater flexibility in adapting to climate change.
“Machinga District is prone to various disasters including droughts and floods as a result of climate change. These issues affect communities greatly as they cannot harvest enough for their families, Thole said, adding that interventions which farmers adopted started bearing fruits to improve their livelihood.
He further disclosed that the launch was also meant to showcase agricultural technologies which prove to be necessary tools in responding to effects of climate change and at the same time improve crop production.
“Farmers showcase to communities and other stakeholders in the area technologies they adopted and how they benefit from the same. It is a known fact that farmers realized that the only way to address effects of climate change or impact is to use the new technologies that are useful to control running water which causes soil erosion and other forms of land degradation.” he said.
On the La Nina weather condition which is expected to hit the country in the next rainy season as forecasted by the Department of Climate Change and Metrological Services, Thole reminded farmers to still adopt new agricultural technologies to improve on crop production.
“La Nina brings heavy rains which has a negative bearing on agriculture especially in hilly areas. Farmers should therefore adopt technologies such as creation of stone bunds, check dams and water absorption pits to protect soils and regulate water flow,” he added.
Stereo Kachimanga, a farmer and member of Makenngere Bee Keeping Club said new agricultural technologies played a greater role in improving soil fertility on his piece of farm land for the two years.
“I am a good example of a farmer who benefited from the new technologies. After adopting these technologies, things changed for the better in recent years as there is an improvement in maize production on my part” said Kachimanga.
The launch was held with support from World Food Program Adaptation Fund Project.
PLEM takes over Rumphi-Nyika Road construction project
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, August 13, Mana: Roads Authority on Wednesday handed over construction of a 20 kilometer stretch of Rumphi- Nyika road to PLEM Construction replacing Unique Construction.
Construction of the stretch from Chikwawa to Bembe will cost K29 billion and funded by Malawi Government.
Speaking during a hand over ceremony at Bolero Trading Centre, Managing Director for PLEM Construction, Jay Khrishnan said his company is committed to complete the road.
"Our company has never failed to complete a project. I understand we have to prove ourselves, but I can assure you that we will complete it," said Khrishnan.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said the road is important for rural development and urged the company not to fail government under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera and people of Rumphi.
Bulukutu also pledged Rumphi District Council’s support to ensure that the road is completed on time for the benefit of people in the district and the country as a whole.
Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said the people of Rumphi have been waiting for the completion of the road and thanked government for awarding the project to a new contractor.
“We are hopeful that the road will be completed. We will cooperate with you so that your job runs smoothly,” Chikulamayembe said.
Rumphi-Nyika Road is the main route to Nyika National Park and also connects Hewe, a major farming hub in the district.
More chaos with La Niña prediction on Lakeshore
By Leonard Masauli & Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, August 13, Mana: Stakeholders have warned that the predicted La Niña could wreak further havoc to the country’s tourism economy due to rising water levels in Lake Malawi.
This warning was issued during a Research Dissemination Dialogue on the Economic Impact of Lake Malawi’s rising water levels at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe on Monday.
The Report highlights that as per the La Niña projection, the Lake has increased its water level by 45 centimetres and this was a very significant threat on tourism economy in the country.
La Niña weather conditions have been predicted by Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services for the forthcoming rainy season.
These cooler than usual temperatures disrupt global weather patterns because they cause it to become warmer.
In Southern Africa, humidity levels are expected to rise as this tropical country gets cooler during such periods.
Executive Director of Malawi Tourism Council, Memory Kamthunzi expressed her worry, saying considering how high waters have been pushed was like sitting on a time bomb especially with the La Nina prediction next year, making the tourism in the lakeshore at risk.
“When the incident occurred, the Council conducted assessments in all regions, and it was evident that the impact on lakeshore businesses was substantial. After working with the National Planning Commission (NPC), we confirmed the severity of the situation.
“When we review our database, the rising water levels in Lake Malawi have significantly affected operators. Some businesses are no longer operational, having closed due to property damage, leading to significant job losses,” she noted.
Kamthunzi recommended that financial institutions should be lobbied to provide loans to lakeshore operators, enabling them to rebuild and resume tourism businesses.
NPC Research Manager, Dr. Andrew Jamali, highlighted that tourism contributes approximately 6.7 percent to the country’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP).
He warned that the damage to businesses is likely to affect the 2024 GDP.
“Our primary objective with these findings was to assess the impact of rising water levels on the tourism sector and estimate the potential GDP loss.
“Tourism patronage along the lakeshore has dropped, affecting revenue. We estimate that the tourism GDP will contract by 0.5 percent by the end of the year, as many establishments have not resumed full operations, and some are operating at just 45 percent capacity,” Jamali pointed out.
The Manager explained that the 0.5 percent contraction in tourism would have an overall effect on the national GDP, reducing it by an estimated 0.01 percent.
“At the stakeholders meeting, we are discussing the best ways to address construction along the lakeshore and how water levels in the lake, particularly through the Shire River tributary, can be managed in anticipation of more rain in the forthcoming season,” he added.
NBS Bank donates mattresses to Salima DHO
By: Golden Kang'oma
Salima, August 12, Mana: To create a conducive environment for patients, NBS Bank on Monday donated 35 mattresses and a projector totaling MK5.5 million to Salima District hospital.
Speaking during the donation, NBS Bank Head of Retail Banking Cluster responsible for Central and Northern Region, Dr. Justin Lufajiri Chikaonda said the donation is part of the bank's corporate social responsibility and pledged that the bank will continue supporting the hospital through different initiatives.
"As you are aware the people being served here, the patients, are our customers. So after receiving a plea from the District Commissioner (DC) that there are some gaps, we decided to at least support and intervene shortening the gap of mattresses,” he said.
He added, "That is why we thought it is important to respond to the call and support the community. It may not be enough, but we think it will make a difference.''
Speaking after receiving the donation, DC for Salima James Mwenda commended the bank for the timely donation pointing out that it will go a long way in helping communities, especially in the health sector.
"You see, we have a lot of patients that are admitted here at the hospital but they lack proper bedding. So these 35 mattresses will go a long way in solving that particular problem.
"But we have also requested our colleagues from NBS Bank to consider adopting one of the wards so that they should be assisting that particular place, and they have taken the request and assured us that they will go back and discuss the request with management, for a way forward," said Mwenda.
Salima District Director of Health and Social Services, Dr. Eugene Katenga Kaunda said the hospital has 300 beds only, with a lot of patients sleeping on beds without mattresses and the gesture from NBS will help to improve the condition.
"The donation is a great relief to the district hospital and this will help to improve cleanliness and reduce some diseases," said Kaunda.
Taking his turn, Senior Chief Kalonga hailed NBS Bank for the donation and said if different stakeholders come together to help the district hospital in different areas, some of the challenges the hospital is facing can be reduced.
First lady hails Lisoka water project for transforming lives
By Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, August 12, MANA: First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has underscored the need for communities in the country to have access to clean and potable water to ensure a healthier and dignified future.
She made the remarks on Monday, during the handover ceremony of a Solar powered water reservoir project, at Lisoka Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Khongoni donated by the Muslim World League (MWL) worth K150 million.
“Water is the essence of life, and by providing access to this precious resource, you have given our community the means to thrive.
“The impact of this reservoir cannot be overstated. It will alleviate the daily struggle for water that so many in our community face, reducing the burden on women and children who often walk long distances to fetch water,” said Madam Chakwera.
She then hailed the Muslim world league for the project saying the donation is a clear demonstration of the generosity and compassion of the Muslim World.
The First Lady stated that the reservoir will also serve as a cornerstone for further development and collaboration.
In her remarks, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia said the 30,000 litres water project will sustain the lives of people in six villages around the water reservoir.
She then appealed to the MWL for more collaborative efforts to address other challenges the country is facing including climate related disasters.
“President Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized that his government would ensure that people in the country especially in the rural areas have water all year round, I have noted that some villages in this area don’t have access to safe water, my ministry will soon address the challenge,” she stressed.
Secretary general of the Muslim World League, Dr. Muhammad Bin Abdulkarim Al issa stated that the league will continue supporting projects aimed at alleviating challenges faced by communities in the country.
Senior Chief Khongoni highlighted that the water reservoir will address critical water shortage which the area experienced prior to the implementation of the project.
She expressed gratitude to the government and the MWL for bringing the project in her area.
Youth organizations share noted on effective leadership
By Uchindami Msowoya
Mzuzu, August 12, Mana: In an effort to promote meaningful youth participation in the forth coming general elections, Mzuzu Youth Association and Timbiri Youth Network, Monday conducted a youth dialogue in Mzuzu on a theme ‘Promoting Youth Leadership and Mindset Change.’
Speaking in an interview, Coordinator for Mzuzu Youth Association Francis Chirambo, said the event aimed sharing notes on effective leadership so that young people can serve the nation as politicians as well.
"We have discovered that, most young people are being exploited by politicians and are often manipulated for the benefit of the old practicing politicians and this initiative will empower them from being involved in such malpractice,” said Chirambo.
According to Chirambo, the event also aims at equipping youth with knowledge on understanding political systems, political parties and good leadership.
Youth Advisor for Timbiri Youth Network, Edward Kaunda said the event was strategically scheduled to amplify youth voices and empower them to make informed political decisions, "he said.
Some of the youth clubs which participated in the dialogue included Added Power And Understanding Sustainable Education (APAUSE), Hope for All Generations (HAG), Titchile Speak-Out Youth Club, Umodzi Youth Organization and Kang'ona Youth Club.
Government to launch Political Empowerment of Women strategy
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, August 12, Mana: Government has announced plans to launch Political Empowerment of Women (PEW) strategy on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza made the announcement on Monday during a Press briefing in Lilongwe.
Sendeza called on all the women for full participation in the upcoming 2025 general elections saying that as a Ministry they want to achieve 35 percent competition of women in politics.
“Government of Malawi recognises that when women occupy high-level political offices, society becomes more gender-sensitive by adopting and adapting new ways of doing things to accommodate the interests of both gender,” she said.
She emphasised that the Ministry has reviewed the 2019 Strategy on PEW and came up with a successor strategy whose implementation will assist to increase women representation in elected political positions.
“It is envisioned that implementation of the 2024 Strategy on PEW will result in balanced participation of women in Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections,” Sendeza stated.
She said the launch of 2024 National Strategy for PEW will start by holding a half-day awareness event to sensitise stakeholders, the media and the general public on the contents of the Strategy.
Country Director for Oxfam Lingalileni Mihowa, said they are going to engage different political parties and the media to sensitise the public on the importance of women participation in politics.
“As Oxfam we thought we should launch the strategy together with the Ministry in good time so that women, girls and people with disabilities will have much time to prepare themselves for the general election, we are going to mentor these people throughout so that they understand what politics is it all about,” Said Mihowa.
The National launch of PEW will take place at Lithipe area in Dedza district.
MWL Celebrates 25 years of programmes in Malawi
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, August 12, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has commended the Muslim World League (MWL) for its continued humanitarian support to the Country.
Speaking on Monday during the Celebration of Muslim World League's Program at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, Chakwera applauded the support that MWL render to the needy orphans and less privileged people in Malawi.
“During natural disasters MWL were among the first to respond with aid, this represents the gift of friendship and goodwill we have with them.
“There are a lot of development support that MWL is giving to Malawi, we have clean water in different parts of the country and also thousands of orphans are receiving care,” said Chakwera.
In his remarks, Secretary General for MWL, Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al Issa, appreciated the president for the Co-existence with Saudi Arabia saying that MWL is committed to promoting the welfare and development of the Malawian population through humanitarian aid, educational programs and interfaith dialogue.
“As MWL we are pleased with the partnership we have with Malawi; it is our responsibility to continue helping those in needy. Our mission is to foster understanding, peace, and cooperation among diverse communities,” he said.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza said MWL is empowering women and girls to the highest level of addressing gender equality as well as helping in promoting rights and welfare of widows in the country.
MWL is an international Islamic NGO based in Mecca, Saudi Arabia that promotes what it calls the true message of Islam by advancing moderate values that promote peace, tolerance and love.
Empowering Voices: Mzuzu Youth Open Mic Seeks to Raise Mental Health Awareness through art
By Hope Mwandenga
Mzuzu, August 11, Mana: The Mzuzu District Commission Youth Office will be supporting the Mzuzu Youth Open Mic, an event aimed at empowering young people to express themselves freely about mental health issues through art.
The free event, scheduled in the afternoon of August 17, 2024 at Katoto Secondary School's main hall, seeks to create a safe space for youth to share their experiences, raise awareness about mental health, and promote creative expression as a tool for healing and self-care.
"We recognized the growing concern of mental health issues among young people in Mzuzu, and we wanted to provide a unique platform for them to express themselves and connect with others who share similar experiences," said Francis Kamlomo, also known as Conscious, a musician, poet, human rights activist, and event organizer.
The event will feature spoken word poetry, music performances, short storytelling, stand-up comedy, and other creative expressions. Taonga Jeka, a poet, expressed her excitement about the event, saying, "Poetry heals, just like music. This event can help raise awareness and support mental health through discussions and art."
The Mzuzu Youth Open Mic aims to provide a safe space for youth to share their stories and experiences, raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma, promote creative expression as a tool for healing and self-care, connect young people with resources and support services, and empower youth to take control of their mental health and well-being.
By empowering young people to express themselves and share their experiences, the event hopes to create a ripple effect of positivity and creativity, inspiring others to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed.
The event is a collaboration between Cive Youth, Dream Builders, and Young Life Malawi and people can join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MzuzuYouthOpenMic.
WaterAid hailed for improving potable water access in Ntchisi
By Moses Nyirenda
Ntchisi, August 12, Mana: WaterAid Malawi has been hailed for improving access to potable water in Ntchisi district through drilling and installation of boreholes in communities and schools in the district.
This comes after the organization recently drilled and installed boreholes in four villages and two primary schools in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Nthondo and Sub-Traditional Authority M’ndinda in Ntchisi district with funding from Giorgio Arman.
Speaking on the sidelines of the drilling and installation of the boreholes, Ntchisi district Assistant Water Development Officer, Maxwell Thengezi commended WaterAid Malawi for the development which it has done in the district.
“We are really thankful for what WaterAid has done in our district, the gesture has greatly improved access to potable water in our district,” Thengezi said.
He added that with the installation of the new boreholes by WaterAid Malawi in Ntchisi district potable water access coverage in the district has reached at 75 percent from 72 percent a change, which he described as big improvement.
However, he said as a district their vision is to reach at 99 or 100 percent of water access coverage hence he called upon other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to emulate what WaterAid has done in order for his district to reach the targeted potable water access coverage.
“We are calling upon other organizations to support us, government on its own cannot manage to drill boreholes in all the villages in our district to improve potable water access coverage,” he said.
In his comment, WaterAid Malawi Programme Officer, Laston Zungu said the installation of the boreholes in Ntchisi is part of fulfilling their commitment as an organization in improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in the communities and institutions in the country.
He also said that as WaterAid Malawi they remain committed to improving WASH interventions in the country.
“As WaterAid we are committed to improving the WASH situations in the country especially in healthcare facilities, communities, institutions and many other places,” Zungu said.
