By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, August 3, Mana: Principal Secretary Responsible for Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Eng. Geoffrey Mamba, has said the 2024 Annual Regional Policy Dialogue, set to take place in Malawi, will significantly improve the country's agricultural policies and transform food systems in response to climate change impacts.

Mamba expressed these sentiments during a media briefing held at the National Planning Commission (NPC) offices in Lilongwe on Friday.

He noted that Malawi, affected by climate change events like El Niño, is optimistic that the conference, scheduled for August 6-9, will provide valuable insights for enhancing agricultural policies and food systems.

“The conference will be pivotal for various stakeholders to examine agricultural policies, evaluate their implementation, challenges and provide recommendations.

"This aligns with Malawi 2063, and the Ministry of Agriculture is eager to preside over this important event,” said Mamba.

He emphasized that government is actively working to improve food security in Malawi through initiatives like the Affordable Input Programme and by promoting commercial farming via the mega farming project.

NPC Research Manager, Andrew Jamali, highlighted the importance of the agricultural dialogue, particularly in relation to Malawi 2063, saying the country has been focusing on agricultural productivity and commercialization under Pillar One of the vision.

"One of the key issues is identifying evidence for transformative policies in food systems transformation.

"With international participants, regional bodies and national experts, this forum is very timely, especially considering the challenges Malawi faces, such as El Niño and limited fiscal space,” said Jamali.

Director of Business Development at the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), Francis Hale, said climate change has exacerbated issues like El Niño, affecting countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.

“Agriculture and food systems are crucial for socio-economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing livelihoods and contributing to national economies.

"However, they face challenges like climate change, pests, diseases, natural disasters and unsustainable practices that threaten their sustainability,” said Hale.

He added that the dialogue would also provide a platform for discussing biotechnology's potential in African agriculture.

“Despite its immense potential, African agriculture is yet to fully embrace modern technologies like biotechnology, which could sustainably boost productivity and address climate change challenges,” he said.

The Annual Regional Policy Dialogue event is being organized by FANRPAN in collaboration with the Malawi Government, CISANET and NPC.

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, August 3, Mana: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, has described attacks against game rangers as counterproductive to wildlife conservation.

Kamtukule was speaking Friday at Rumphi Boma during at a joint Wetlands, Wildlife and Rangers Commemoration Day.

She said there have been several cases of rangers being attacked in the line of duty with some losing their lives.

“If people attack rangers and then animals come out of their designated areas; do you think rangers will have the spirit to protect people from such animals? They are humans as well and have right to life like each one of us.

“2023 was one of the worst years for rangers. We are working with various stakeholders so that those who violate laws get stiff punishment,” said Kamtukule.

The minister presented awards to some rangers for their dedication and outstanding performance.

“These awards given to show that rangers’ dedication to work in protecting nature is being noticed and to keep them motivated,” she said.

She, therefore, appealed to organizations involved in natural conservation interventions to be serving community members around their areas for them to also enjoy benefits of conserving nature.

The minister cited the Nyika-Vwaza Gravity Fed Water Supply Project as an example of improving relations between nature and communities where everyone wins.

The project will tap water from Nyika National Park and is expected to benefit at least 18,000 people surrounding the park and Vwaza Game Reserve.

Chairperson for Rumphi District Council, Happy Chirambo, thanked government and stakeholders for erecting fences around Nyika National Park and Vwaza Game Reserve which, he said, has improved relations between communities and rangers.

He added that people now feel secure and have no reason to attack rangers and animals in the protected areas.

Country Manager for African Parks Malawi, Samuel Kamoto, said they record an average of three cases of attacks against rangers annually.

He said they have put in place several initiatives, such as supporting irrigation schemes and scholarships, aimed at improving relations with communities surrounding protected areas.

Kamoto urged people to understand that rangers protect natural resources on behalf of the people and they need their support.

The event, which commenced with a solidarity march from Kawajawaja to Rumphi Police Ground, provided a podium for sharing experiences in nature conservation amongst different stakeholders.

By George Bulombola

Mzimba, August 3, Mana: Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V has appealed to politicians and the citizenry to ensure that there is peace and unity during campaign towards the 2025 general elections.

He was speaking Saturday at Hora Heritage Centre in Mzimba during Umthetho Cultural Ceremony and commemoration of the 10^th anniversary of his throne.

He called upon everyone in the country to joyously safeguard peace which the nation is currently enjoying.

“I am afraid that we would, in future, regret to have lost this peace because of the manner some politicians and some members of the public conduct themselves during political campaign.

“Let me advise that the campaign should be issue based and noone should use provocative statements,” said Paramount M’mbelwa adding that he knows President Dr Lazarus Chakwera as a peace loving leader who promotes descent politics.

He commended President Chakwera for promoting co-existence of different tribes and cultures as evidenced by his presence at cultural ceremonies.

He said the President’s availability at such functions goes a long way in cementing working partnership with traditional leaders and government.

“It seems we are resuscitating our culture which we were about to lose a few years ago as young people used to embrace borrowed culture.

“The ceremony’s theme is blended to intertwine culture and climate change which has resulted into environmental degradation. We will do our best to civic educate people on the importance of conserving the environment,” he said.

The ceremony was held under the theme ‘Uniting Against Climate Change Under the Decade of His Majesty M’mbelwa V.

He linked culture to tourism saying culture can contribute to the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy hence called government to consider aligning culture to Ministry of Tourism.

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, appealed to all stakeholders, including chiefs, to be in the forefront in promoting peace and unity for continued and sustainable development of the country.

President Chakwera graced the occasion. Other guests included Queen Masesi Nomzano Fortunate Nieny of South Africa, senior government officials and Ngoni chiefs from within the country and across the borders.

By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, August 3, Mana: Thyolo District Council Chairperson, Petro Bowman, has called for concerted efforts to promote education and protection of all children in the district.

Bowman made the call Friday during commemoration of the Day of the African Child, urging every community member to contribute towards the cause.

“We must ensure that all children are sent to school to attain education without gender bias as well as disability,” said Bowman.

Bowman also called upon traditional and religious leaders, and all relevant stakeholders, to play a pivotal role in safeguarding children by protecting them from all forms of abuse that can negatively impact their well-being and education.

He emphasized that protecting children from abuse is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility, crucial for their development and future success.

“We call upon the justice system to give tough punishments to those abusing children in any way,” he said.

He, therefore, encouraged teachers to be innovative and supportive, creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment that caters for the diverse needs of all students.

Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources for Thyolo, Mirriam Yona, said the council is determined to ensure all children have access to quality education, a commitment reflected in various ongoing initiatives.

“One significant effort is the construction of classroom blocks across several schools in the district through the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project. This initiative aims at providing students with a conducive learning environment which is essential for their academic success.

“In addition to the GESD project, the Malawi Education Reform Program (MERP) is also playing a crucial role by funding construction of low-cost school blocks,” said Yona.

Yona said the combined efforts from both projects underscore the council's unwavering resolve to uplift the educational standards which is fundamental to the overall objective of ensuring that every child receives quality education; thereby, improving the educational outcomes across the district.

A learner at Folopensi Primary School, Alfred Mtameri, lamented the unavailability of special needs teachers in most schools; noting that such affects education of learners with disabilities.

Mtameri also bemoaned abuses that children experience at the hands of step parents due to the high levels of broken marriages in the area.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, August 3, Mana: Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has entered into partnership with Emmanuel University to elevate standards of early childhood education in the country.

Under this collaboration the university will, among others, deliver training and capacity building initiatives for nursery school educators from PRISAM member institutions.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lilongwe on Friday PRISAM President, Ernest Kaonga, lauded the alliance as a significant stride towards enhancing quality of nursery education in Malawi.

Kaonga encouraged schools to enroll with PRISAM to afford their educators an opportunity to partake in the training programs.

"This agreement signifies a momentous achievement in our quest for excellence. We take pride in our affiliation with Emmanuel University and anticipate a fruitful partnership that will advantage our educators, students and the nation as a whole,” emphasized Kaonga.

Recently, PRISAM also forged a partnership with Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU) with an objective of enriching educational prospects and refining pedagogical practices.

By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, August 2, Mana: Councillor Dorothy Musa of Namnjiwa Ward has been re-elected as Chairperson for Mchinji District Council in a decisive victory during the council elections held on Friday.

Musa, who served in the same role last term, secured 15 votes.

Also vying for the position were Msitu Councilor, Spesha Fungulani, who garnered a single vote, and Chimimbe Ward Councilor, Aaron Chidzanja, who received two votes.

In her acceptance speech, Councilor Musa expressed delight and gratitude for the trust placed in her by her colleagues.

"I am honoured to have been re-elected as chairperson. This means that people have trust in me and have seen fruits in me,” said Musa.

Musa described the elections as a manifestation of women's empowerment since her deputy is also a woman.

Mkoma Ward Councilor, Martha Dzanja, emerged victorious as vice chairperson, defeating Councillor Henry Banda of Liweredzi Ward with a vote count of 12 to six.

Commenting on the outcome of the elections, Executive Director of local women-focused organisation Women’s Hope for Change Organization, Hellen Makukula, said the polls signify people's trust in women in Mchinji.

“In the past Mchinji never had belief in women as leaders but now we have seen many women getting leadership positions which is a sign of gender equality,” said Makukula.

By Linda Moyo

Mzuzu, August 2, Mana: Malawi government has received a $11.2 million drought insurance pay-out from the African Risk Capacity (ARC).

Receiving the cheque, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera highlighted that the payout underscores the power of collaboration in addressing challenges posed by climate related disasters.

The effects of the disaster have severely impacted rural communities, particularly those reliant on farming.

 "There is a pressing need to support people and strengthen food production in the country,” said Chakwera.

The President indicated that funds from the payout will be able to enhance food security, support livelihood initiatives for Malawians and also ensure that refugees and host committees are better equipped to withstand the adverse effects of drought.

ARC Board Chairperson, Maxwell Mkwezalamba, said the pay-out will cushion Malawi from El Niño effects which has affected 23 districts in the country.

"We want these funds to help Malawi build community resilience and help farmers increase food production,” he said.

Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, emphasised the importance of the payout, stating: "This funding will significantly aid in building community resilience and improving our response to disasters, mitigating the impact of natural events like El Niño which have left close to 5.2 million people food insecure in the country.”

Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and the World Food Program (WFP) will be responsible for the implementation of initiatives of the funds.