By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, October 26, Mana: The adverse effects of climate change have had a far-reaching impact on smallholder farmers in Chiradzulu District.

Drought and erratic rainfall, coupled with traditional farming methods, have left many households who rely on rain fed agriculture food insure and in extreme poverty.

However, farmers utilizing various community irrigation schemes in the district are rewriting their future by utilizing natural water resources as a transformative tool.

Take Charles Mpunga, from Kachere Village under Senior Chief Mchema, who joined the 25-hectare Natama Irrigation Scheme in 2019. Today, his 0.5-hectare plot yields onions worth over MK850, 000 a year.

“I used to rely on rain fed farming and barely harvested anything," Mpunga says. "Now, I’ve built an iron-roofed house, bought a motorcycle, and can support my four children’s education, all because of irrigation.

“We grow maize, onion, pepper, eggplants and tomatoes, and last year we realized about K17 million from the sales of our produce but we were only 45 households who planted,” says Mpunga, adding that this year they expect the figure to rise as now 73 farmers are utilizing the scheme.

Another beneficiary, Ganet Kachingwe, from Kheleng'eza village the 44-hectare Chilusa Irrigation Scheme under Traditional Authority Kadewere shares a similar story such that in six months, Kachingwe earns MK2.1 million from his 0.8 hectare Okra farm.

“The rains are no longer reliable, but irrigation lets us grow our crop and harvest three times a year even when the rainy season fails,” he says.

Chiradzulu’s proximity to Blantyre offers an added advantage: a steady demand for fresh produce.

Thanks to the growing numbers of farmers at the scheme, he says, buyers come directly to the site, cutting down on transport costs and helping farmers make the most of their harvests.

Mpunga and Kachingwe's stories align well with Malawi Vision 2063, which emphasizes on agricultural productivity, commercialization, and sustainable development as key drivers of economic growth and prosperity.

The push toward irrigation is already paying off across the district, says Senior Chief Ntchema.

“Our farmers are seeing real change,” he notes, explaining how irrigation has transformed once-struggling smallholders into thriving growers who can now feed their families and improve their homes.

However, he emphasizes that even more households could benefit by expanding the total land under irrigation.

Chiradzulu has untapped potential in land and water resources for irrigation development, with many areas still available for expansion.

Approximately 4,500 hectares are considered suitable for irrigation, yet only 695 hectares have been developed so far, representing a small fraction of what is possible.

This gap underscores significant opportunities for scaling up irrigation to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and improve livelihoods for Chiradzulu’s farmers.

Supporting this shift is Chiradzulu District Council Irrigation Engineer Julia Nyembeze Qoto, who oversees 164 irrigation sites benefiting 4,895 farmers out of which 2,590 are men and 2,305 women.

“These projects bolster food security by supplying about five percent of the district’s food. Irrigation has helped many farmers bounce back from drought and flood shocks.

And with more investment, we could expand to 4,500 hectares, reaching even more farmers,” she explains

From solar-powered pumps to treadle systems and traditional watering cans, the district is promoting diverse irrigation technologies to accommodate farmers of all levels.

One ambitious project, the Nazombe Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Ntchema, is expected to cover 200 hectares, while a further 700-hectare expansion at Masamba Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Onga is planned, pending funding.

While farmers initially resisted the switch to irrigation, witnessing their neighbors' success has rapidly changed minds.

 “When farmers see their peers thriving, they’re more eager to join in,” Qoto says, while commending Malawi Government and World Vision Malawi for being on the forefront in promoting irrigation farming in the district.

Currently, the district is addressing the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which damaged various irrigation schemes, leaving only 390.11 hectares usable.

Franco Kaliya, Chairperson of the Chiradzulu District Council Agriculture Service Committee, says the council is working with partners to repair these systems.

“Irrigation is the future here. It is the only way for many farming households to overcome drought and become self-reliant.” he says

Kaliya encourages farmers to embrace irrigation farming, as it offers not only food security but a steady income.

He says with irrigation farming reshaping lives across Chiradzulu, local farmers are turning their small plots into engines of growth, proving that even limited land can yield boundless opportunities.

This mirrors SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting year-round agricultural productivity that provides stable incomes and reduces poverty.

“When farmers can support their families, send their kids to school, and invest in essentials like livestock or home improvements, they create a cycle of prosperity,” he explains.

By Albert Mulizakamba

Balaka, October 26, Mana: Balaka Stadium on Friday was abuzz with excitement as Athletics Malawi in collaboration with Balaka District Sports Office hosted a Kids athletics challenge as a way of uncovering their potential in sports activities.

Eleven primary schools from the district participated in the event giving chance for kids to feature a variety of sporting activities including the kids’ triple jump.

Ngwangwa Primary School emerged victorious, followed by Zammimba Primary School in second place and Balaka Primary School was recognized for their fair play allowing it to receive an additional prize of 100 notebooks, pencils and other school materials for their participation.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Balaka District Sports Officer, Moses Chimbetete expressed his satisfaction with the event.

“We have seen the potential that kids in Balaka have, so we needed to start from the scratch with the class one and that is the first step,” he said.

Chimbetete, therefore, urged parents to change their mindset and take children's sports seriously, emphasizing that some children may pursue sports as a career in the future.

He added: "We have noted some challenges such as limited school participation due to mobility issues, with some schools located far from the venue."

On his part, Athletics Malawi President, Kondwani Chamwala stressed the significance of choosing Balaka District for the event.

He noted that many athletes in Malawi come from Balaka despite the area’s hot climate.

"Our main focus was on developing children’s skills at a young age to understand their movements and jumps," he said.

The event was sponsored by Old Mutual and it was part of a broader initiative that has also been conducted in the Northern region with an aim of nurturing young athletic talent across the country.

By Paul Madise

Lilongwe, October 25, Mana: Tamala Mataka, Project coordinator for Promoting Organic Systems of Soil Improvement to Build a Lasting Economy (POSSIBLE) project has appealed for organic fertilizer inclusion in the Agriculture Inputs Program (AIP) for the country’s enhanced agriculture sustainability and food security.

Mataka made the remarks on Friday during her visit at Chitedze, Chimamba Villlage in Lilongwe to appreciate soil intervention initiatives emphasizing the need for increased implementation of soil composition practices at Pfumvudza Plot and other manure concentration sites in the area.

In her brief, Mataka highlighted that through the intervention Malawi can address declining soil fertility noting that Malawi has reached a tipping point where soil organic matter is below a minimum threshold for supporting crop productivity.

Furthermore, Mataka also appealed for enhanced collaboration to ensure there are established waste management systems from city councils specifically Lilongwe and Blantyre noting that mismanagement of waste has led into increased food scarcity and increased waste generation rates largely contributing to pollution and GHG emission making Malawi vulnerable to food insecurity.

“You might wish to agree with me that almost 80 percent of the waste which is generated in the urban cities is organic, so the project took advantage of that to make sure that we are turning these organic matters into compost that can be used for crop productivity but also to restore soil health in Malawi,” she said.  

Kolinto Sadoni, Manager of Gospel to All Farmers group applauded Waste Advisers for the provision of lesson and training on soil organic matter restoration and west-to-compost systems interventions further appealing for shift of mind to embrace the use of organic fertilizers if the country considers maintaining soil health and plant nutrition.

“I think government should intervene to bring awareness to our farmers of the importance of manure because most of the people living in Malawi are farmers and promote small organizations that are working to promote soil health and plant nutrition,” said Sadoni.

POSSIBLE project is being implemented by Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with Waste Advisers as project implementation partner with finance from European Union, among others 1,000 smallholder farmers from Lilongwe and Blantyre are directly benefiting from the project.

By Benedicto Maguda

Blantyre, October 25, Mana: Malawi Kickboxing Championship (MAKBA) will host the 2024 National Kick-boxing Championship on November 3, 2024 from 10 am at China Complex in Zomba District.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Secretary General for MAKBA, Bright Limani said preparations are underway for the competition which will be used to select national team athletes who will participate in the African Kick-boxing Champions to take place in South Africa in December this year.

“Our main aim for this competition is select those who will make it into the national team, winners on the day will be included to play in South Africa this December,” he said.

Limani said on the day, they expect to have 11 clubs from different parts of the country where the main event will be a fight between Yamikani Matembeka and Yohane Edward who will be competing for a heavy weight belt.

A kick-boxer from Ndirande Township in Blantyre, Jimmy Katsoka who is expected to take part in the competition said his preparation is at advanced stage.

“I want to confirm that I will take part, my preparation so far is good and I want to teach these young ones how to do kick-boxing on the day. What I want is to do better so that I can be one of those to be included in the national team which will participate in South Africa this December,” he said.

Katsoka called upon sports lovers to come with their families to watch the kick-boxing on the day and give them support.

In 2022, Malawi kick-boxing team took part in the African Kick-boxing Champions in South Africa and came back with seven medals. 55 kick-boxing athletes are expected to take part on the day, out of whom, one is female.

Meanwhile, Malawi National Council of Sports has pumped in K2.5 million in preparation for the 2024 National Kick-boxing competition.

By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, October 24, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda Thursday said the newly constructed Lomola Health Post in Thyolo District will significantly improve access to healthcare for local residents.

During her tour of the facility, Chiponda emphasized government's commitment to ensuring that even rural areas have access to quality health services.

Speaking to community members who gathered for the event, Chiponda underscored the importance of the facility in reducing the long distances previously endured by residents to seek medical care at the nearest facility.

“This health post is a symbol of our continued efforts to ensure that every Malawian, regardless of their location, can access quality healthcare. It will offer critical services and treatment for common illnesses right within the community,” said Chiponda.

"We will continue to invest in resources and personnel to ensure this facility operates at full capacity, meeting the healthcare needs of the people of Lomola and beyond," she added.

District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga, said the health post will relieve the burden on larger health facilities in the district.

"Lomola Health Post will reduce overcrowding at Thyolo District Hospital by providing primary care services closer to the people. This will not only save time but also ensure that those requiring urgent care can access it without delay," Kuphanga said.

Senior Chief Ndalama, in whose area the Lomola Health Post is located, expressed his appreciation for the construction of the facility in his area, emphasizing its potential to improve access to healthcare services for the surrounding communities.

“This health post will be a great relief to our people, especially pregnant women and children who have been struggling to access basic medical services due to the long distances to the nearest facilities.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund for this crucial development,” said Senior Chief Ndalama.

Manager for the Global Fund and GAVI Project Unit at the Ministry of Health, Doreen Sanje, said the Global Fund is constructing 25 health posts across the country.

“So far, Lomola Health Post will be opened on November 1, an indication that we are on course with the completion of the health posts,” said Sanje.

Sanje said in addition to the health posts, the Global Fund is also constructing Infectious Diseases Wards with 200 beds at three major central hospitals of Queen Elizabeth, Kamuzu, and Mzuzu.

“That’s on top of procuring medical equipment and recruiting personnel,” she added.

By Rosalia Kapiri

Lilongwe, October 25, Mana: First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera, through Shaping Our Future Foundation received support from the Chinese Embassy at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Friday at an event where a cheque worth MK47.535 million and relief items were presented aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in Malawi.

The event highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Chinese government and the Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF), which focuses on the holistic development of village girls and street children through education.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady said she was excited about the delegation's visit and the positive impact of their support.

“The help makes a lot of difference to the girls, as many more things are accomplished through this initiative," she said.

The support from China includes assistance for 75 students who will receive tuition fees for the academic year, a gesture that aligns with Malawi's aspirations outlined in the 2063 agenda.

“This gesture means that China is helping Malawi to attain some of the goals stipulated in the 2063 agenda by keeping girls in school. These interventions go a long way in improving the development of the country at large," Chakwera emphasized.

she expressed gratitude for the relief items which she said will help families affected by disasters.

“This will go a long way in assisting the families affected by these challenges. As a Foundation, we are always delighted to have a helping hand, and this gives us a good landing for our operations," she added.

Wang Hao, a representative from the Chinese Embassy, praised the First Lady for her commitment to charitable causes in Malawi.

“The First Lady has always been committed to the development of Malawian charitable causes and safeguarding the rights and interests of Malawian children,” he noted.

He also thanked her for fostering a strong relationship between Malawi and the Chinese Embassy.

Since 2021, the Chinese embassy has been a significant supporter of education initiatives in Malawi through SOFF. This year, the embassy has increased funding to SOFF from K32.78 million to K47.535 million to help more girls continue wi their studies.

“China and Africa share the same dreams of advancing education for girls and women in the world,” Hao stated.

He said China provides government scholarships to Malawian university students annually to support further their studies in China.

The embassy also announced plans to donate maize flour and beans worth K70.7 million to Nkhotakota District through SOFF to alleviate food insecurity among local communities.

Dr. Michael Mkandawire, Chief Executive Officer for SOFF and advisor to the First Lady, expressed gratitude for the continuous support from China.

“We are thankful to China for the help they have been providing over the years, ensuring that girls in need in Malawi are kept in school.

“In 2023 alone, SOFF provided scholarships to 1,108 students, with 64 percent being girls. China has been instrumental in making sure that these girls remain in school,” he added.

The collaboration between Malawi and China continues to demonstrate the significant impact of international partnerships in promoting education and supporting vulnerable populations.