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NLGFC Board impressed with livelihoods support impact of SSRLP-Tidzidalire beneficiaries
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, August 3, Mana: Vice Board Chairperson for National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC), Lilian Khofi, says village savings and loans (VSLs) groups have a remarkable impact in improving people’s socio economic status.
Khofi was speaking Friday when members of the board toured savings and loans groups in Mzuzu in concluding a monitoring visit to appreciate the impact of District Development Fund and Constituency Development Fund.
They also monitored the impact of Governance to Enable Service Delivery and Performance Based Grants (GESD-PBG) social support programs and Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP-Tidzidalire) in Chitipa, Rumphi, Nkhata Bay and Mzuzu City.
Beneficiaries of Covid-19 Urban Cash Intervention in 2021 and the current Price Shock Response mobilized themselves to inject and invest money through formation of the VSL groups as a way of sustaining their Livelihoods.
Khofi said the committee is impressed by women run businesses as a direct impact of the cash injections leading to mushrooming of business as impact of the social protection programs.
“I am pleased to note that they have worked hard to grow their money which they invested in VSLs groups that were established under the SSRLP-Tidzidalire Project with technical assistance from Community Savings and Investment Promotion (COMSIP).
“The groups are scattered across the country hence the need for members to be sharing challenges and successes so that those lagging behind should be assisted to move forward. I am impressed with what I have seen in all the districts,” said Khofi.
COMSIP Chief Executive Officer, Tenneson Gondwe, was impressed by the delegation’s tour to the groups.
“Our role is to assist beneficiaries to be resilient to shocks through sustainable utilization of the money which they get through interventions that were previously meant for rural populations.
“Currently, we have seen a shift in the approach as SCTP is also introduced into cities due Covid-19 and price escalation resulting from Kwacha devaluation, hence cushioning mechanisms to protect people in such areas from such shocks,” said Gondwe.
He added that COMSIP comes in to build beneficiaries’ resilience and capacity enhancement for them to have economic strength at household level.
Chairperson for Timasilira Savings and Loans Group in Mzuzu, Fanny Siyeni, said through technical assistance from COMSIP, the group’s operations are up to date as members have access to loans at low interest rates since they own the capital.
“We have businesses at both individual and group levels to ensure that we continue sustaining and benefiting from our savings which we raised from social protection programs,” said Siyeni.
Mwanza SDAs urged to be committed to God’s work
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, August 3, Mana: Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church members in Mwanza District have been called upon to be prepared to serve God submissively as the earth is not their permanent home because God is about to judge the world.
Pastor for Mwanza District SDA Church, John Muhoko, made the call on Saturday at the end of a five-day annual prayers under the theme: “Camp Gathering” held at Mwanza Main SDA Church.
“As you can see here that we are sleeping in temporary grass shelters to symbolize the Israelites moving from Egypt on their way to the Promised Land of Canaan,” Muhoko who is also Pastor for Mwanza Main SDA Church said.
Muhoko added that signs of the last days have been fulfilled, meaning that Jesus is coming soon; therefore, it was important for Christians to avoid sins and instead submit themselves to God.
Chairperson of the organizing committee of the prayers, Kingsley Chabwera, thanked members for the support rendered towards preparation of the event.
“Although we are going through financial crisis, but the congregants voluntarily mobilized their resources so that the ceremony should not fail,” said Chabwera.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), a member of the church, Takondwa Mambere, described the function as a revival in his spiritual life, saying during the prayers he was reminded of the importance of tithing as a sacrifice to God.
“I have been encouraged to give tithe to God because it is said that you end up being rewarded in multiples by God. So, I want to be blessed at my household,” said Mambere.
In her remarks, a young lady Simbisayi Yamikani who also attended the prayers, asked her fellow youths not to shun away from serving God by being taken away by youthful life but rather be responsible.
“Saving God does not look at the age of a person but it is the way of seeking God’s blessings,” said Yamikani.
This year’s theme of prayers is: “Jesus Christ Is Coming Soon” taken from the book of Matthews 24 verse 26 and guest speaker at the function was Pastor Yohane Grant from Chikwawa.
About 1,500 members drawn from 17 congregations such as Mwanza Main, Mwanza Central, Chimwangoni, Chimwachawa and Kankhonde under Mwanza District SDA Church.
Ministry of Health geared to decongest district hospitals
By Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, August 3, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, has expressed the need to upgrade various health centres in Chikwawa District to address the challenge of congestion district hospitals across the country face.
Daud made the remarks in Chikwawa on Friday after inspecting health service delivery at the district hospital.
“The ministry is planning to upgrade some health posts and construct more health posts at each traditional area level to enhance service delivery accessibility and decongest district hospitals.
“The ministry appreciates service delivery at various district hospitals and the challenge that most of these hospitals face is congestion,” Daud said.
She added that after upgrading the health centres, the respective facilities will start offering major health services that will help reduce congestion at district hospitals.
Director of Health and Social Services for Chikwawa, Dr Grace Momba, commended Daud for the visit, saying through the visit they have learnt a lot in terms of how they can handle some of the challenges the hospital is facing.
Momba added that the Deputy Minister has also seen for herself how health services in Chikwawa are being delivered to patients.
Before visiting Chikwawa, Daud also visited Nsanje District to appreciate health service delivery in hospitals.
Upgrading of health centres to reduce congestion in district hospitals
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, August 3, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, says government will upgrade some health centres across the country as one way of reducing congestion in the district facilities.
Daud was speaking on Friday in Nsanje after inspecting health service delivery at the district’s main health facility.
She said once health centres are upgraded to community hospital level, they will be capacitated to offer major health services like scanning and admissions which will help ease congestion at the district hospital.
Daud, therefore, commended Nsanje District Health Management Team for maintaining cleanliness at the facility.
Chairperson for Nsanje District Council, Mike Kafalachi, attributed improved cleanliness at the district facility to good management.
Member of Parliament for Nsanje Central, Kafandikhale Mandevana, asked government to increase funding to the district hospital as it also serves people from neighbouring Mozambique.
“The funding is not adequate because the catchment population for our district is big as the hospital offers health services to people in neighbouring Mozambique,” Mandevana claimed.
He also asked government to increase the number of Disease Control Surveillance Assistants (DCSAs) in the district.
During the visit, Daud inspected health service delivery at maternity, male and female wards at the district hospital.
Conference to improve agricultural policy, food systems
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.
Kamtukule decries attacks against game rangers
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.
Balaka launches Catchment Conservation and Management campaign
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, August 3, Mana: Balaka District Agriculture Executive Coordinating Committee (DAECC) has launched the Catchment Conservation and Management campaign aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt climate resilience and modern farming practices that would respond to persistent dry spells experienced in the district.
Speaking Friday at Chiyendausiku Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Nsamala, Chief Agriculture Extension Officer for Machinga Agriculture Development Division (ADD), Allan Kaliwo, said forest and land restoration practices are vital for improved agricultural yields.
Kaliwo was particularly happy because the event gave agricultural extension workers an opportunity to appreciate how farmers in TA Nsamala are adopting climate smart agriculture through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and cooperatives.
He added that it is a positive development to see that communities in the district were able to restore degraded forests and adopting Mbeya manure, matching and box ridges in order to conserve and retain moisture in their fields.
“This event has laid the foundation for communities, district councils and the nation to strengthen environmental conservation policies and encouraging farmers to continue using new methods of farming.
“Due to deforestation, every year Machinga ADD loses over 29 metric tonnes of fertile soil that is washed away into rivers,” Kaliwo said.
One of the members from Nsamala FFS, Linda Maganga, hailed the campaign saying it will encourage them advance modern agricultural practices they learn from FFS.
Maganga said, currently, the group owns an irrigation scheme courtesy of Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) climate smart agriculture.
Chairperson for Balaka District Council, Pharaoh Kambiri, said they will work together with various authorities to strengthen and promote forests and land conservation policies.
“The district council has by-laws that prohibit practices that destroy the environment such as wanton cutting down of trees and cultivating along the river banks. So, we will conduct community sensitization meetings so that people should be aware of the pieces of legislation,” he said.
Held under the theme ‘Integrated catchment conservation and management for enhanced climate resilience and improved livelihood,’ the event opened opportunity for council officials to appreciate various agricultural interventions being rolled out under Adaptation Fund Project and MWASIP.
Chief M’mbelwa V appeals for peaceful campaign ahead of general elections
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 10th 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.
Thyolo Council Chairperson calls for concerted effort in educating a child
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.
DC hails community's climate change counter measures
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 3, Mana: Dedza District Commissioner, Thomas Chigwenembe, has hailed communities under Traditional Authority (TA) Kasumbu in the district for conserving land and water to address hunger and other climate related challenges.
He made the remarks Friday during Dedza District Council Integrated Catchment Conservation and Management Campaign launch at Mpotola Village.
Chigwenembe was impressed with a 19 hectare pine tree woodlot of about 10,000 trees; a 4.5 hectare natural regeneration forest with soak pits; a 15 hectare river diversion irrigation scheme, swales construction, gully reclamation and other initiatives.
Most of the initiatives were pioneered by the communities and supported by MASAF-4 project about eight years ago.
“It is very encouraging to hear from the communities that these efforts have contributed to water retention. Despite drought in the past farming season, many say they have done well in their fields and are now continuing with irrigation farming,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the integrated catchment management launch will bring similar impact across the district.
Village Headman Mpotola said the interventions date back to 2015 following guidance from an extension worker from the area.
He said proceeds from the pine trees will be used to construct primary classroom blocks in the community to reduce the 5-kilometre distance learners walk to Kayenda in pursuit of their education.
TA Kasumbu said she would leave no stone unturned to ensure the interventions are sustained warning that she will continue taking to task anyone contravening by-laws including chief's directions.
Dedza District Land Resource Conservation Officer, Franklin Gomani, said various land reclamation and soil conservation interventions in the district are bearing positive fruits.
“Around 2014, Dedza was losing 29 metric tons of soil per hectare per year. We have not done any research recently but we have noticed a reduction in floods and fewer siltation, which means we have managed to reduce surface run-offs.
