MANAonline
MWASIP, a reflection of nation's 2063 ATI strategy
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, August 8, Mana: It is Friday afternoon around 3:30 pm, Sani Sofiti from Mtendere Village Level Action Plan (VLAP), Group Village Head (GVH) Kampeni under Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka district is busy with other members renovating stone bands.
Standing 200 metres away, one would think it is a fort at military base. But to Unyolo, this is a land restoration technique that slows down high speed water from the hills that wash away the fertile land his ancestors bequeathed him.
His land, located in the East from hilly area and South down to Shire River, Unyolo says he is well aware of the evils of mud slides; hence, is committed to renovate the stone bands to protect his land and the entire community.
“The problem of soil erosion is history in our area because we have stone bands and natural forests that we restored in all uplands down the streams. Every farmer has box ridges in their fields to allow proper infiltration of rain water,” he testifies.
Just like other members in Mtendere VLAP, Unyolo only shares 25 percent of modern agricultural practices learnt from Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP).
Implemented by the Government of Malawi with support from the World Bank, MWASIP in Balaka aims to restore about 10, 000 hectares of degraded land along Shire river areas starting from 2022 to 2026, by taking onboard farmers with three main components; land restoration, watershed services and technical support.
Sharing another experience related to Unyolo is Chimwemwe Jimmy, 22-year-old-girl from Mtola VLAP in GVH Lupanga TA Nsamala.
She stands in her garden filled with box ridges and swales.
As a youth, she said MWASIP has helped her to panel bit her future because she is optimistic to harvest more yields from her modern farming.
"With the dry weather that we experience here in Balaka, our previous harvests have been always poor. But this project has trained us to make Mbeya manure, swales and check dams to prevent fertile soil from being washed away down to Livilivi river," she said.
Added Jimmy: "We also have fruit gardens so that we should restore our nutrition status."
The modern agricultural experience that farmers under MWASIP in Balaka are sharing would compel one to fast forward the weather to reach rainy season in order to see their green fields.
However, that is not the case as the project also incorporates irrigation farming under the component of watershed services by encouraging farmers to practice Farmers Field Schools (FFS).
Nsamala FFS found in Livilivi Extension Planning Area (EPA) under Chidala section testifies the fruits of MWASIP because apart from practicing matching agriculture, they also own maize irrigation farm.
Steve Banda is Agricultural Extension Development Officer (AEDO) for the area and he explains how Nsamala FFS has managed to assimilate MWASIP objectives.
"In FFS, we give power to farmers to identify the problems affecting agriculture in their area, analyze it and find solutions. Through this strategy, we have many farmers that we move along with in whatever we are discussing starting from the grassroots of challenges they are facing until they find solutions," he said.
Banda adds that despite the El nino dry weather that has affected many parts of Malawi including Balaka in the 2023/2024 growing season, farmers under Nsamala FFS will harvest reasonable yields from their irrigation farming.
"You can see that the weather is very hot but the maize in this irrigation farm is strong and fresh, a sign that farmers will harvest more yields, courtesy of MWASIP," he assured.
What MWASIP is doing in Balaka is a reflection of embarking in Malawi 2063 vision since apart from equipping farmers with modern agriculture, the program is also promoting the adoption of agribusiness.
MWASIP Project Coordinator for Balaka, Lucreshia Matekenya said among other things, the program is committed to providing financial grants to farmers so that they should engage in agribusinesses such as piggery, beekeeping and fish farming.
"We believe that the financial assistance that will be provided to these farmers will capacitate them to transition and sustain the values of MWASIP because they will be able to make more money on their own," she said.
She adds that the project targets to give matching grants to 200 farmer groups and 60 agri-enterprises to enhance agricultural based livelihoods and boost household incomes.
Director of Agriculture for Balaka, David Ali, hailed government through MWASIP for implementing such a visionary project.
He said just like MWASIP, the district is also committed to roll out various modern and sustainable agricultural interventions such as Agriculture Commercialization Project (AGCOM 1) and Sustainable Agriculture Production Project (SAPP 1).
"Through projects like MWASIP, AGCOM 1 and SAPP 1, government is spending billions of kwachas to provide financial grants to farmers in the country including Balaka district so that they should venture into modern agribusiness," he said.
According to national Agenda 2063, Malawi aims to promote the sectors of Agriculture, Tourism and Industry (ATI) strategy hence MWASIP promotion and adoption of modern farming through land restoration, watershed services and financial services to farmers which plays a pivotal role in restoring the economic backbone of Malawi, agriculture.
Public buses to resume using Dedza bus depot
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 8, Mana: Dedza District Council Director of Administration, Dr. Chris Salaniponi says rehabilitation of five Kilometres Dedza ring road will compel bus operators to resume using Dedza bus depot.
The depot has a fence, security personnel, flush toilets, a waiting area, waste bins, a concrete slab, shops, a nearby fueling station and other basic needs for passengers and operators, but was shunned for about three years due to poor road condition.
“When the road is complete, it will be business as usual. Buses will be compelled to go through the town unlike now, where they pass through the main road,” he said.
He said the council stands to benefit through revenue collected from the bus operators using the bus depot.
“It has been quite long since we stopped collecting revenues from the depot. But I know that resuming the depot operation is going to boost revenue collection for the district,” he said.
Public Transport Association of Malawi chairperson, Moses Chauluka says 10 to 15 buses operate on daily bases between Blantyre and Lilongwe and pay an average of MK3,000 for each stop they make at a district bus depot.
“We see no problem for buses to pass through the bus depot. The purpose of diverting through the bus depot is to serve the passengers, so we see no problem,” said Chauluka.
Dedza bus depot Chairperson, Alex Maudzu, said most business at the depot are on the verge of collapsing due to lack of business after buses stopped using the depot.
Kamtukule hands over staff houses to Lake Malawi National Park
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, August 8, Mana. Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, on Wednesday handed over two newly constructed staff houses to rangers at Lake Malawi National Park in Monkey Bay, Mangochi.
The houses, have been constructed under the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) with funds from the World Bank.
Speaking during the handover, Kamtukule urged rangers to take good care of the houses as they are a significant asset to improving their welfare.
“Regard these houses as your own not government’s. I want to see these houses in good condition when I come again in the next six months.
“It is not government which will suffer once they are in bad state. You will have to look for accommodation outside the park once the houses become inhabitable and this will be an inconvenience and expensive on your part,” said Kamtukule.
The Minister pledged government’s commitment to providing rangers with good accommodation saying more houses will be constructed in line with the Malawi 2063 enabler on human capital.
She, therefore, hailed MWASIP and the World Bank for supporting her ministry, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, to construct modern houses for the rangers.
MWASIP Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Team member, James Kumwenda, commended the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for prudently utilizing the Performance Based Grants saying it is in line with the project’s objective.
MWASIP provides Performance Based Grants amounting to US$3 million to institutions that focus much on watershed management.
“We have three national level institutions namely; Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Department of Forestry and National Water Resources Authority. We also provide grants to local authorities within the project impact area.
“Department of National Parks and Wildlife triggered the grant after fulfilling performance based indicators measured annually using a scorecard,” Kumwenda said.
Councilor Martin Milanzi, who represented Chairperson for Mangochi District Council, said construction of the houses was a significant and timely move, anticipating that the houses will motivate the rangers to be dedicated to their duty of patrolling the park since they will be residing within the park.
Milanzi has since asked government, through Ministry of Tourism, to construct more houses for the rangers saying deployment of additional rangers in the protected area will intensify patrols to prevent people from illegal fishing and destroying the forest in the park.
Lake Malawi National Park is the world’s first fresh water national park and a world heritage site which is home to rare fish species.
Kvuno, Solidaridad for improved data sharing in agriculture
By Patricia Kapulula
Lilongwe, August 8, Mana: Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have been called upon to improve on coordination and maximise on the benefit of sharing data in order to address repetition of same activities at the expense of others.
Digital Innovations Lead for Solidaridad Southern Africa, Candice Kroutz-Kabongo told journalists in Lilongwe on Wednesday along the side lines of the FANRPAN Annual Multistakeholder Policy Dialogue that although requirements for farmers to provide data has increased over the years, coordination among organisations in as far data sharing is concerned has not yet been maximised.
She proposed an open farm data ecosystem where stakeholders within the agriculture sector can share the data they collect.
“The level of duplication of efforts and consequent lack of impact for those efforts is the problem that we need to address through data sharing.
“We are spending our resources repeating same activities across organisations when there are others that need to be done such as climate shocks and early warning systems,” she said.
Kvuno Country Operation Lead for Malawi and Mozambique, Igo Manuel, appealed to stakeholders to have a holistic view of farmers they support and make decisions that benefit those farmers.
He said it is for this reason that coordination in the sector is important as it can bring the cost of operation down for everyone hence benefitting the people they serve.
“We want to showcase how we can share data across various organisations so that we can maximise efforts. So, we believe that Kvuno is practical and real case of what can be done with open data sharing platform,” he said.
Solidaridad and Kvuno developed digital farmer identity with each farmer that works with them. The farmer ID captures all the information about the farmer such as their name, what crops they cultivate and how much they are making selling those crops.
Given Phiri, Programs Manager for Kvuno Malawi, said farmers can benefit a lot through digital.
“Kvuno is here to showcase to farmers that, through digital, they can find markets and messages on how to improve farming.
“Malawi has started paying cotton farmers through the bank which has proved safe and successful as it has no risks both to the buyer and farmer,” Phiri said.
According to Phiri, Malawi has reached out to 816 farmers involved in cotton seed multiplication in Salima, Nkhotakota and some parts of Balaka with digital services.
Kvuno, is a social inclusive business that utilises digital tools and technology to empower smallholder farmers for wealth creation through farming.
Solidaridad introduced Kvuno, incorporating its interventions, shaping the relationship with farmer-facing organisations.
10 behind bars for theft in Balaka
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, August 8, Mana: Police in Balaka have arrested ten people whose ages range from 18 to 78 years, suspected to have committed various offences in the district.
Balaka Police Station Public Relations Officer, Gladson M'bumpha said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 during an intelligence driven operation conducted within Balaka town and surrounding areas.
“Among the arrested suspects, five have been arrested for theft by servant, three for theft, one for receiving stolen property and another one for fraud and the other one for false pretense,” he said.
M'bumpha added that meanwhile, police have recovered some of the stolen property such as Aluminum conducting wires whose value is yet to be established.
All the suspects hail from Balaka district and will appear before court soon to answer charges leveled against them, according to M’bumpha.
Seeds of success: Zomba and Mangochi farmers flourish with support from SMEDI, CIAT, and USAID
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, August 8, Mana: In the heart of Malawi's Zomba and Mangochi districts, small and medium enterprise farmers are witnessing a remarkable transformation thanks to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), together with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), who are turning their visions into reality, aligning with Malawi's 2063 vision of becoming an industrialized upper-middle-income country.
Chipiliro Mpumira, a determined farmer from Chitenjere 1 village in Zomba Malosa under Traditional Authority Malemia, embarked on her banana farming journey in 2023. Despite her aspirations, challenges like limited land and encroachment of animals hindered her progress. However, training from SMEDI and a grant from CIAT with USAID's help changed everything.
"With the grant, I was able to fence my farm and expand my land. Now, my banana sucker production has significantly increased," Chipiliro shared, beaming with pride. Her story is a testament to how targeted financial support and training can unleash the potential of small-medium-scale farmers.
Thokozani Nkhambure, from Nsangeni village in Zomba, T/A Malemia, once a fresh vegetable seller, now manages Inozandi fish farm. The transformation in her business is profound.
"Before SMEDI, CIAT's, and USAID's intervention, I struggled with insufficient funds and could only manage a small fishing pond. Now, I've added more ponds and materials, and the business skills training has equipped me to compete effectively and plan strategically," she said.
Despite these gains, Nkhambure highlighted a persistent challenge; sourcing fish feed: "We don't have local shops selling fish feed, so we have to get it from Lilongwe and Blantyre, which strains our budget," she explained. Yet, her resilience and resourcefulness remain unwavering.
Rita Kumweda, from Matawale in Zomba, T/A Mwambo, who runs Para Enterprise, focuses on mushroom farming. The grant she received allowed her to complete a mushroom house and acquire essential equipment.
"Since February, we've been harvesting up to 20 packs of mushrooms daily, and we're now supplying major shops. I owe this success to SMEDI, CIAT, and USAID," said Rita, reflecting on her journey from a small-scale farmer to a successful entrepreneur.
Chisomo Chimkondenji from Kalonga village in Mangochi, T/A Mponda, ventured into a nursery school called Historic Academy.
"The training taught me how to keep records whether I am making profits or not. All thanks to SMEDI, CIAT, and USAID for the grant. I have built these three blocks where children are learning, and it has helped me to open a Facebook page where I can reach out by marketing to people around Mangochi and other areas," shared Chisomo.
Rashion Nikisi from Namwera Village in Mangochi, T/A Jalasi, owner of Rahawe Bee Farming, embarked on his bee farming journey in 2011. His farming progress was hindered facing challenges like people cutting down trees and stealing honey from his hives. However, training from SMEDI and a grant from CIAT and USAID changed everything.
"With the grant, I was able to buy materials that I use when processing the honey," he said.
Sharon Kumwembwe, Assistant Youth Officer for Zomba District Council, emphasized the broader impact of these initiatives.
"In an era of high unemployment, this program has provided a platform for youth to showcase their capabilities. They're now entrepreneurs and CEOs, having gained essential skills, knowledge, and market exposure," she noted.
Kumbukani Manda, Mangochi District Youth Officer, highlighted the importance of accelerating youth self-help initiatives as one of a kind in Mangochi since the district has a high unemployment rate.
"We believe that such initiatives are the only way to improve and empower the youth economically," said Manda.
SMEDI's Board Chairperson, Henry Chete, highlighted the unique approach of providing grants alongside training.
"After the training, grants enabled the youth to purchase materials, install irrigation systems, and more. Their success stories are a testament to the program's impact," he said.
Overall, 74 participants from various Traditional Authorities in Zomba and Mangochi have been trained in design thinking, climate-smart business models, marketing, communication, pitching, and business plan development. Grants up to MWK4.2 million from CIAT have further empowered them.
The support from SMEDI and CIAT aligns seamlessly with Malawi's 2063 vision, emphasizing inclusive wealth creation and sustainable economic growth. By investing in small-scale farmers, these organizations are not only improving individual livelihoods but also fostering a future where agriculture plays a pivotal role in the nation's economic transformation. As these farmers continue to thrive, their stories inspire a broader movement towards agricultural productivity and commercialization, showcasing the power of strategic support and the indomitable spirit of Malawi's small-medium-scale farmers.
Mchinji District launches K1.1billion GESD projects
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, August 8, Mana: Mchinji District Council has officially launched various projects worth K1.1 billion under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) programme.
The projects were officially launched on Wednesday and among key projects is the construction of a youth Centre at Mkanda, pegged at K126 million.
The district secured the K1.1 billion performance-based grant (PBG) under GESD.
Speaking at the launch, Mchinji District Commissioner Lucia Chidalengwa emphasized the council’s commitment to completing the projects.
"We are dedicated to ensuring these projects are completed on time and to the highest standards. We are hopeful that the projects will be completed by November this year," Chidalengwa said.
Council Chairperson, Dorothy Musa, issued a stern warning to contractors involved, cautioning them against misusing the allocated funds.
She stressed that the council would closely monitor the projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
"We will not tolerate any misuse of these funds. Contractors must deliver quality work within the stipulated timeframe. If anyone fails to meet these expectations, they will face the full force of the law," Musa warned.
Echoing Musa's sentiments, Member of Parliament for Mchinji North, Racheal Mazombwe Zulu, reiterated the importance of the projects for the community and asked the council to ensure they are completed.
“I urge the community to make checks and balances and report any wrongdoing by the contractors. I also ask the council to make sure that the projects do not stall as most of the time some contractors do not finish projects,” said Zulu.
Chairperson for Mkanda Youth Network, Joseph Benson, said they have been looking for a youth Centre for a long time.
“We tried to construct a youth Centre on our own but we failed to finish. It is good that we have now benefitted from GESD and we will have a youth Centre where we will be meeting as young people,” said Benson.
GESD is a $100,000 million grant from the World Bank and is implemented by all qualifying local authorities through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).
Baptist church set for truth conference
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, August 7, Mana: Resurrection Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church says it is set to host its crusade dubbed ‘Truth conference’ slated for August 11-16, 2024 at its campus in Lilongwe, Area 49.
Evangelist for the church, Noa Gustav Viljami Lager told Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Wednesday that the conference has been organized to preach about the truthful words of Jesus Christ stipulated in the bible.
“Jesus himself says I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. During this conference, 9 different preachers from all across the world will shine the light on fundamental truths of the Bible, all centered on the Lord Jesus Christ.
“We expect every single conference attendee to leave with better knowledge of the truth, and to be encouraged to follow Jesus in their day to day lives,” Lager said.
He added that during the conference there will be praises to Jesus Christ through singing and prayers with two preachers each night expounding the truth of God’s word to the participants of the conference.
He also said that through the conference, his church will also be spreading the gospel of salvation, which was offered as a free gift to all through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.
According to him, the conference will be graced by preachers from various countries including; Malawi, United States of America (USA), Uganda, Nigeria and Sweden.
He further called upon the public to patronize the conference in their large numbers saying that the conference will be life changing.
“You will not only learn the truth of God’s word, but you will be fully immersed in the fellowship of the brethren and a loving church community, we are excited to see you there,” he said.
One of the Lilongwe residents, Caroline Phiri commended the forthcoming truth conference saying that it would assist people to know more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mzimba children bemoan shortage of teaching, learning materials
By Peter Magawa
Mzuzu, August 7, Mana: Children in Mzimba district have cited shortage of teaching and learning materials and discrimination as major hindrances to attaining education for all in the district.
Speaking in Mzuzu City on Wednesday during a panel discussion organized by stakeholders ahead of commemoration of Day of African Child scheduled for 9th August, 2024, the children noted there was need for government and other stakeholders to be proactive in providing necessary needs for education for all to be achieved.
Miracle Chaputa, a learner at MZUZU C.C.A.P. Primary School said that there is need for government to train more special need teachers so that learners with special needs can also have an opportunity to learn.
"Due to shortage of teachers and schools, learners travel long distances. Now imagine a child on a wheelchair traveling a distance of over five kilometers on a wheelchair, how can he or she continue with school?
"At the same time, in these schools there is shortage of books and classrooms. In most schools you find that a class has over 80 learners and 10 learners using one text book. We need to rectify these challenges if education for all must be achieved," said Chaputa.
Another learner, Warren Mhango from Viyere Primary School noted that while government did well on allowing all children to learn together regardless of their respective challenges, learners with special needs continue to face discrimination from both teachers and fellow learners.
"The school environment needs to be conducive for all learners including those with special needs," she said.
Chairperson for Mzimba North Child Protection Committee, Nthezemu Kamanga said it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that all children have equal access to education.
"We are working with the theme: ‘Education for all in Malawi: the time is now’ because we no longer want to postpone the idea of giving access to education for all. It is something that must be acted upon now.
"As stakeholders we are ready to work together with government to eradicate all hindrances to achieving equal opportunities to education," said Kamanga.
Director of Education Services in Mzimba North, Mercy Mayuni, assured of continued support to ensure schools in the district mitigate challenges faced in the process of delivering education services.
Karonga United FC ropes in two new players
By George Mponda
Karonga, August 8, Mana: In a bid to bolster their squad before the second round of the TNM Superleague kicks off, Karonga United Football Club (FC) has announced the signing of two new players from the Simso league.
Speaking in an interview after the signing ceremony on Thursday, Karonga United Chief Executive Officer, Ramsay Simwaka said it is the club’s policy to be signing raw talent from the lower leagues, nurture and then sell them.
"One is 21-year-old Neverson Nkhoma, a defender from Iponga FC and the other is 20-year-old Ernest Mwenitete, a striker from Chicago FC. Both have signed three year contracts.
“We have two very exciting and young players in our ranks for the second round and both players will help us to take our game to the next level which will be crucial for our success in the season,” Simwaka said.
He added that fans should also expect two or three new players who will also be signed.
On his part, James Kayira, a Karonga United fan said mixing young players with experienved players will help balance them.
“Young players have strength and mixing this with experience, combined with Blessings Mwalilino’s proven goal scoring abilities, will further strengthen our team and I wish them the best in the season," said Kayira.
Karonga United FC are currently on position 11 with 19 points having played 15 games in the TNM Superleague.
They will next face league leaders Silver Strikers on August 10 at Karonga stadium.
