By Ivy Yohane

Blantyre, October 22, Mana: Akometsi Entertainment has organized a music show dubbed Emmie Deebo’s City Fiesta, which will take place on Saturday October 26 at Robins Park in Blantyre with an aim of bringing entertainment to Blantyre fans.

Emmie Deebo whose real name is Emily Zintambila is one of the trending female musicians, signed under Akometsi Entertainment and gained fame with hits like Changa featuring Qaso, Befu in which she featured Kelly Kay, Sheli Banana, among others.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Akometsi Entertainment Operations and Marketing Manager, Laurent Kwakwala said that the growing demand from Emmie Deebo’s fans in Blantyre has made them to organize the show.

"It’s part of her growth as an artist and at the same time giving her fans from Blantyre what they want and should expect a memorable performance from her,” he said.

Kwakwala confirmed that they are done with the preparations and assured that there will be enough security as they have hired a private security firm.

“Emmie Deebo is ready for the show and she has been and is still training with her band, dancers and crew to give her fans an electrifying performance and we have partnered with a few companies namely; Hirwa General Dealers (HGD) which is a brand that Emmie represents, Trust Networks, Blues Bar and Restaurant, Mikozi, Videogenics, Direct Marketing and other partners we are yet to announce,” he added.

In a separate interview, one of the artists that will perform on the day and known for energetic live performances, Pempho Eliah, popularly known as Fada Moti said he has been preparing for the show and promised an extraordinary performance.

"I am well prepared and i just want to let people know that I will give them what Fada Moti is best known for,” he said.

Other supporting artists include; E-iconz from Uganda, Charisma, Teddy, Jay Jay Cee, Wikise, Achina Gattah Aise, Aidfest and Kineo, Qaso, Mellz, Sife and Diego.

The show will be hosted by Joy Nathu and Hanareen Doness.

By: Steve Chirombo

Dedza, October 21, Mana: In the heart of Dedza, in Group Village Head Mwanzimba, under Traditional Authority Kaphuka, lies the Malindima Irrigation Scheme, a 22.5-hectare agricultural project with the potential to expand to 40 hectares.

Since its inception in 2018, the scheme has empowered 103 farmers, transforming their lives and livelihoods.

As witnessed recently, during a field day, the farmers are into cassava, mangoes, guavas, oranges with a focus on Irish potato.

The communities had established it as an irrigation scheme around 1990s but it did not bring the much desired results up until 2018 when Self Help Africa (SHA) intervened under its project on Achieving Sustainable Poverty Reduction through Increased Inclusive Resilience and Empowerment (ASPIRE) with support from the Embassy of Ireland.

Today, the story is different and there are tears of joy in most faces of the farmers under Malindima Irrigation Scheme.

"I was able to buy goats after selling my produce in the first year (2020), cattle in the second year (2021), built a house in the third year (2022), and purchased a motorbike in the fourth year (2023). I expect to buy a vehicle this year," said Ikirifi Kambali, a 24-year-old farmer.

He expressed gratitude at SHA for the support saying through the canals that were constructed at the site, farmers find it easy to irrigate their crops and that it is cost-effective.

He went on to advise his fellow youths to stop looking down at themselves saying everything is possible.

“We start small and grow big. All we need to do is to stop being lazy and start working hard,” stated Kambali

Lebian Sefas, another beneficiary, shared her success story: "I constructed a house and quarters in 2019, bought goats and chickens in 2020, built another quarters in 2021, and purchased a dairy cow in 2022. I also ventured into beekeeping, with five beehives producing 40-60 liters of honey. All these from the scheme."

According to Sefas, 1 liter of honey gives him MK6, 000 translating to total sales of around MK360, 000 which he uses to purchase farm inputs and also helping his children’s education.

He hailed SHA and government extension workers for the support not only at the irrigation scheme but also instilling in them expertise in modern farming.

Boston Mwase, Secretary of the Malindima Irrigation Scheme, emphasized the importance of diversifying crops.

"Our secret is to have a variety of crops planted here so that we stand better in markets. We have food and are also economically empowered through the scheme.

“The support from SHA has seen an improvement in our living standards through food and good housing as well as sending our children to school on top of having livestock. The scheme is keeping each one of us busy than indulging in things that can negatively affect our lives,” said Mwase

However, Mwase said for sustainability’s sake, they have a bank account to which they deposit annual membership fees which goes towards maintenance of the scheme.

The scheme's success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of SHA, the government, and the farmers themselves.

Barton Mwale, SHA's Food Security and Resilient Coordinator, expressed happiness at the great work farmers at Malindima Irrigation Scheme are doing saying his organization is there to promote and complement the government’s vision and that of the Ministry of Agriculture.

“We have seen the irrigation farming these farmers are doing which is one of the activities that complement agriculture production instead of depending only on rain fed agriculture. These are things we expect,” he said.

According to Mwale, for all this to be achieved, it took an initiative to train the farmers and they had to contribute 20 percent of the things to have the scheme running.

Among others, SHA provided the farmers with cement and artisans that constructed the scheme.

“These are the results that we have seen that the farmers are now able to stand on their own. They are able to build houses, buy livestock with others purchasing dairy cows which is a good thing.

“And we have seen a young man who says is ready to buy a 3 tonne vehicle after selling his Irish potato this year, a thing that we appreciate. We can as well see that farming is bringing an impact upon this area and even young people are taking an initiative to take farming as business so that they can help in their day to day life,” he emphasized.

Mwale further appealed to farmers to ensure that environmental conservation is sustained saying one cannot talk about agriculture without conserving the environment. He added that agriculture is done on the land and for it to be protected, it needs trees and for the trees to do well, they need water.

“For water to be used for irrigation, these people need to harvest it during the rainy season. Thus why we are saying they need to promote conservation measures so that during dry season like this one, they will be able to use it for irrigation,” he said.

Shira Kang'ombe, Lilongwe Agriculture Development Division (ADD's) Programs Manager noted the scheme's contribution to achieving the MW2063 vision.

"SHA's intervention complements government efforts, promoting agricultural production and food security. From a look of things here, there is indeed a good working relationship between SHA and government towards achieving the MW2063.

“We have today witnessed the activities these farmers are doing to ensure they plant their crops and harvest others for sale while keeping some for household use which we also advocate as Ministry of Agriculture,” she said.

Kang’ombe said government reaches out to every farmer in its interventions but due to inadequate staff, it becomes a bit easy when other stakeholders like SHA implement similar interventions.

According to Kang’ombe, lack of markets for farmers is due to an oversight that comes in before planting particular crops.

“Farmers should know where to sale their crops but even if that is the case, as a ministry we provide agribusiness trainings which enable them (farmers) to do market research before planting a particular crop.

“They can even reach out to shops, supermarkets just to check on the need, then go back to their farm to do what the market demands them. We will therefore join hands with SHA to train the farmers and also make them be in groups to work as cooperatives to enable them do their farming as business,” indicated Kang’ombe.

Dedza district council, Chairperson, Stanley Manase, commended SHA's support: "Thanks to SHA for enhancing our farming techniques and financing the canal construction and water reservoirs."

He promised to keep linking up with various NGOs and government so as to spread the interventions to other areas within the district.

Manase reminded the farmers that climate change is here hence the need to diversify their farming methods from rain fed to irrigation which has proved beneficial in crop yields.

The Malindima Irrigation Scheme serves as a model for sustainable agricultural practices and community empowerment. The scheme has also promoted environmental conservation, with farmers adopting sustainable farming practices.

Water harvesting has been a crucial aspect of the scheme, ensuring a steady supply for irrigation. Farmers have learned to work together, sharing knowledge and resources. The scheme has transformed the community, providing a sense of pride and ownership among farmers.

As the scheme continues to thrive, it offers a beacon of hope for farmers in the region.

The initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration and community-driven development, paving the way for a brighter future for farmers in Malawi.

By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, October 22, Mana: Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP) on Tuesday donated a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle worthy over MK192 million to the Department of Lands at Nsanje District Council.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, one of the officials from SVTP, Laura Njoka said the car was donated to facilitate SVTP activities that are taking place in the district.

“We are currently working on land registration and this car will help to make this exercise a success,” she added.

Njoka, therefore, urged authorities at the district council to take good care of the vehicle so that it should serve the council longer.

“Make sure that the vehicle should be serviced on time so that it should not break down,” Njoka advised.

Deputy Director in the Ministry of Lands, Jambo Chidziwitsano said the vehicle has come at the right time as the department is implementing a lot of activities in Nsanje district.

“Currently, we are conducting land registration and also presenting land plans to the community in the district. This car will help to facilitate implementation of such kind of activities,” he added.

Chidziwitsano, however, pointed out that the vehicle will help in the implementation of land activities at district level as the Ministry of Lands has devolved some of its functions to local authorities.

Speaking after receiving the vehicle on behalf of Nsanje District Council, Vice Chairperson for Nsanje District Council, Felix Round applauded SVTP for the timely support.

Round said the vehicle has come at a time when the council is experiencing mobility challenges.

“We have few vehicles which made it difficult for implementation of other programmes. The council will make sure that the vehicle should be used for the intended purposes,” he added.

Round also pledged that the council will take good care of the vehicle so that it should save the people of Nsanje for a long time.

By Pickson Chipeso

Lilongwe, October 22, Mana: The youth forum for National Transformation (YOFONAT) has urged youths to engage in climate change justice projects as one way of protecting the environment.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Executive Director of YOFONAT Chifundo Robert, said they are implementing a project in Phalombe and Nsanje districts where they are sensitizing the youth on how to control climate change.

"As YOFONAT, we have targeted Phalombe and Nsanje because these areas are prone to natural disasters, such as the recent impact of Cyclone Freddy," he said.

Robert added that mostly effects of climate change affect young people more than all other demographics and he revealed that statistics shows that almost 70% affected by Cyclone Freddy were young people.

"The youth in Malawi are those between the ages of 18 and 35, so we thought it was important to make them the focus of this project," he explained.

In his remarks, environmental and climate expert Godfrey Mfiti stated that the youth are currently playing a minimal role in shaping the country's future.

"Once the youth take on a leading role and gain a deeper understanding of climate justice, it means we have secured a better future," he said.

“It stipulates that we have higher number of youth that needs to participate fully in climate justice. Previously we used to have more of technical issues, but now we appreciate that climate justice is order of the day through several impacts that injustice to climate brings in the country such as cyclones, floods, irritable rainfall pattern,” he added.

The project which commenced this month is called Youth for Climate Justice and is targeting young people because they are the ones leading various social movement activities in Malawi.

The main goal of the project is to empower young leaders into climate activists to respond effectively to climate change through capacity building.

By Mary Sichali

Karonga, October 22, Mana: Karonga District Council Development Service Committee has endorsed a Disaster Risk Management Plan (DRMP), which is expected to run for five years from 2024 to 2029.

Speaking on Monday during a service committee meeting, Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga Humphrey Magalasi said Karonga is hit by disasters annually hence the development of the DRMP to improve preparedness.

“The DRMP outlines our plans to build dykes along the rivers that are flood prone and construct 12 evacuation centers in the district. Karonga has six Traditional Authorities (TA), therefore, two evacuation centers will be built per TA,” Magalasi said.

He also said that some people will be relocated, especially those who stay in flood prone locations.

“We will conduct land zoning where we will map out habitable areas where people can relocate to,” Magalasi explained.

He added that they will collaborate with their partners to advocate for the plan and sensitize the community to motivate adherence to measures endorsed.

In a seperate interview, Chairperson of Karonga District Council Development Committee, Gift Mwakiyelu said they will support the council in the advancement of the intervention plans to ensure compliance in communities.

"However, government should convince people to relocate from flood prone areas which is not an easy task considering the fact that most of them have lived there for a very long time," Mwakiyelu said.

“Government should consider providing materials such as iron sheets or cement for people to build new homes. This will inspire them to easily adopt the idea of relocation hence the government will also save the resources that would have been used to support them every year,” he added.

By Sellah Singini

Lilongwe October, 22, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has received letters of credence from new ambassador of Ireland to Malawi, Kate Brady, during a ceremony that took place at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Tuesday.

Speaking to journalists after presenting her credentials, Brady said Ireland is committed in supporting Malawi’s development agenda particularly in the areas of food systems, transformation and national social protection.

She said, Malawi and Ireland share a very warm and strong relation for over a decade.

“We have been in social protection since 2013 and our focus has always been on innovation and building strong social protection systems and we will continue to do that both in the basket fund with the World Bank, but also through programs we have with UNICEF and several other partners,

“At the moment, we are doing research in relation to how social protection can support those who have been displaced by disaster, for example. And we are also looking at how climate finance can be used to support those most vulnerable,” Brady said.

She also expressed her passion for Malawi, noting her appreciation for Malawi culture and Chichewa language, which she attempted to speak during her discussions with President Chakwera.

In her remarks, Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba said the Irish diplomatic relations with Malawi were established in 2007 and that they are in various programs such as social protection, climate change and food systems.

“As you may be aware, the former Irish ambassador went back home, so Brady was the deputy ambassador to Malawi. She has now been promoted to be the new ambassador of Ireland to Malawi. the President commended her hard work and also commended the Irish government for observing continuity that should be there to avoid disruption of support and partnerships Malawi has been receiving from Ireland,” Zamba said.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, October 22, Mana: National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) has cautioned communities living along the lake in Nkhata Bay to refrain from constructing on the shores without proper consultations as projections indicate a prospect of rising of water levels on the lake and Shire River.

In an interview on Monday after an interface meeting with Area Development Committees (ADCs) in the district, NWRA Senior Civic Education Officer Masozi Kasambala said projections have been made that in the current hydrological period water levels will be higher than last year.

"By December 1, this year, the water levels will be 22 centimeters high compared to same period last year.

"This means that rainy season will be on at a time when water levels on lake Malawi are already high hence the need for people to be vigilant especially those with intentions to take developmental projects along the shores,” Kasambala said.

According to Kasambala there is need for infrastructure developers to seek permission from them and also make sure they have licenses to avoid water catastrophes.

“As regulator of water resources in Malawi, we thought it wise to equip the ADCs with knowledge of about our responsibilities so that we move forward together,” he added.

In his remarks, Nkhata Bay Community Development Officer, Jacob Moloko hinted that the rising of water levels during the previous hydrological period caused damages on the infrastructure, thereby disturbing tourism activities in the district.

“As a council, we appreciate the early warning given to communities on the rise of water levels as this will help us to pro-actively provide advice and intensify awareness to residents on the shores," he said.

ADC Chairperson for Malenganzoma, Loti Simion Mvula said the meeting was insightful and that they will share the knowledge gained with community members.