MANAonline
Chitipa communities urged to source tree seeds locally
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, November 20, Mana: Chitipa District Forestry Office has urged communities under Climate Smart Enhance Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in the district to start collecting tree seeds locally to ensure high survival rate when the seedlings are planted.
In an interview, District Forestry Officer for Chitipa, Daniel Mbeu said if communities start collecting seeds locally they will have fresh seeds that have adaptive characteristics leading to higher survival rate.
“We are encouraging participants under community contribution of CS-EPWP to start collecting seeds from their forests. This will help to reduce expenses they incur and the seeds germination rate is good," he said.
He noted with concern that some of the seeds which communities procured had poor germination rate hence the need to start collecting seeds locally, which he said has proved to be the best.
“Those communities that collected seeds locally and planted, the germination rate are very encouraging. That is why we are encouraging communities in different catchment areas to emulate the same,” he said.
One of the participants at Yamba catchment, Lyson Silumbu said local collection of seeds has helped raise 18, 000 seedlings for the catchment area.
Silumbu said local collection of seeds has assisted the area save money, saying they have only spent on procuring polythene tubes.
“Local collection of seeds is good because the germination rate is very good. And the seedlings are growing very healthy,” Silumbu said.
CS-EPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP) supported by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Five TAs in Thyolo declared ODF
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, November, 20, Mana: Five Traditional Authorities in Thyolo District have been officially declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), marking a significant milestone in improving public health and sanitation in the district.
Speaking during the declaration on Tuesday, Thyolo District Council Chairperson, Councilor Petro Bowman commended the traditional authorities Nanseta, Ngolongoliwa, Kapichi, Changata, and Khwethemule for their commitment and hard work in achieving the ODF status.
“This is not just about having latrines in every household. This is about restoring dignity, improving health, and creating cleaner communities free from preventable diseases,” added Bowman.
The Council Chairperson said the ODF status was a significant step forward to public health but requires continuous effort to sustain.
“We must remain vigilant by maintaining proper hygiene practices and ensuring every household continues to use and care for their latrines.
“This is the only way we can protect ourselves from diseases like cholera,” he said, while acknowledging a recent cholera case recorded in the district.
He urged other traditional authorities in Thyolo District to emulate the ODF declared areas, saying the remaining traditional authorities should priorities sanitation and hygiene practices in their localities.
Traditional Authority Nanseta expressed commitment to maintaining the ODF status in his jurisdiction.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure that this status quo is upheld. Our people have embraced these changes, and we will continue to promote good hygiene practices to protect our communities,” said Nanseta.
Thyolo District Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) Coordinator, Judgement Kumwenda said the district has made commendable progress in sanitation efforts.
“This achievement shows that we are on the right track in ensuring access to safe sanitation for everyone.
“Good WASH practices are critical for overall well-being. They not only reduce the risk of diseases such as diarrhea and cholera but also improve productivity and contribute to economic development,” said Kumwenda.
The WASH Coordinator added that improved sanitation practices promote better learning for children, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the quality of life for families.
According to Kumwenda, the declaration follows years of collaborative efforts involving community members, natural leaders, and WASH partners, including Habitat for Humanity and Self Help Africa.
“These organizations provided technical and financial support to ensure the successful implementation of sanitation projects across the traditional authorities,” he added.
Adult literacy classes empower Mzimba women
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, November 20, Mana: Women in Traditional Authority Khosolo in Mzimba have expressed excitement with adult classes they attend at Rukulu Primary School, describing them as empowering and enlightening.
Speaking on Tuesday at Rukulu Primary school in the area during one of such lessons, a learner, Elizabeth Jere from Thomas Tembo Village said she decided to enrol for the afternoon classes because she had challenges with numeracy and literacy skills.
‘‘I dropped out of school way back when I was a girl due to lack of school fees. As you might be aware, education in the 1980s was not for free as it is today, so I failed to proceed with it’’, said Jere.
Jere said before enrolling for the adult classes, she had problems with budgeting for her business.
‘‘I had problems counting and reading. My fritters business almost collapsed. But now I can write, count and explain issues. These adult lessons have helped me’’, she said.
Another beneficiary of the adult classes, Christina Gondwe said the reading and writing skills she has gained have opened her eyes to the world of many possibilities.
‘‘I used to ask strangers whenever I was travelling due to illiteracy. But now with this adult lessons we are able to read and we no longer ask fellow travellers about where a car is going because I am now able to read and write.
“Even my business of selling clothes is now thriving because I no longer struggle with calculations and other transactions’’, she said.
Margret Kaunda, a tutor at the school said the adult learners are taught many subjects and skills.
‘‘We teach them how to set up a business, identify a market, savings and loans groups and hygiene and modern agriculture techniques. Many are coming to attend these classes and learn these skills which are pivotal in their life’’, She said.
She however said most men do not attend adult literacy classes as compared to women and appealed to men to join.
‘‘I would like to appeal to everyone starting from 15 years to come and attend these classes and open their minds to the world’’, said Kaunda.
In a separate interview, Assistant Community Development officer for Mzimba, Godfrey Shaba said male participation is one big challenge that adult classes face.
‘‘It could be because they are income earners for their families so they have difficulties finding time for the classes” he said.
Shaba however encouraged men to find time and attend the classes, observing that such classes run in the afternoon hours when many people have time.
According to Shaba, there are about 238 adult classes across all traditional authorities in Mzimba South.
SCTP beneficiaries in Chitipa ask for adjustment of monthly stipends
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, November 20, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiaries in Chitipa District have asked government to adjust their monthly stipends to cushion them from the effects devaluation of the local currency.
One of the beneficiaries, James Kabaghe of Mwenebanda Village in the area of Senior Chief Mwabulambya in the district, Tuesday said that an average of K15, 000.00 per month per household is not enough to meet the cost of households’ basic needs.
He made the remarks when Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Assurance and Public Sector Reform visited some of the beneficiaries to appreciate impact of the programme.
“K15, 000.00 is not enough. We cannot buy basic things with this money, we therefore ask government to adjust upwards the amount,” Kabaghe said.
Principal Secretary Responsible for Finance and Administration in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Nwazi Mnthambala said the call to have the amount revised upwards has been echoed by almost all the beneficiaries in all areas visited by the committee across the country.
“This is something that the ministry is considering. We are doing something and it will be framed up with input from the committee’s report. The request is justifiable,” said Mnthambala.
Vice Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Assurance and Public Sector Reform, Francesca Theula said the committee has noted the program`s impact on people’s livelihoods, though not so huge.
“We will take the beneficiaries’ call to have their stipend increased to Parliament for a discussion,” Theula explained.
Currently, SCTP reaches out to over 293,000 households in Malawi, representing 1.2 million beneficiaries of which 70 percent are women and 60 percent children.
On average, a benefiting households receives K15,000.00 monthly.
Chakwera reaffirms commitment to eradicating major diseases
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, November 19, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and commitment in the fight against three major diseases that threaten public health in Malawi and across Africa: malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS.
Speaking on Tuesday evening at the Presidential Global Fund Dinner held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, the President highlighted the progress made in combating these diseases but stressed that further efforts are required to achieve their full eradication.
“While significant strides have been made, the battle against these diseases is far from over. We must remain vigilant, committed, and focused on a future free from the burden of malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS,” he said.
“We are grateful to the Global Fund for its continued support. This partnership has been instrumental in turning the tide against these diseases,” Chakwera added, welcoming the Global Fund Board to the country and recognizing their crucial investments in healthcare.
The President noted that Malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS continue to pose significant health challenges in Africa, with these diseases collectively accounting for millions of cases and deaths each year. According to President Chakwera, malaria alone affects over 200 million people in Africa annually, accounting for more than 90% of the world’s total cases, with high mortality rates, particularly among children and pregnant women.
Chakwera underscored the necessity of global unity and perseverance in tackling these diseases, saying, “These challenges require a grand strategy, one that is built on collaboration, unity, and determination.”
President Chakwera expressed deep appreciation for the partnership between Malawi and the Global Fund, which he credited with playing a pivotal role in the country’s fight against these health threats.
In her remarks, Global Fund Chairperson, Roslyn Morauta praised Malawi’s leadership in addressing the three major diseases noting that the Global Fund’s partnership with Malawi spans over two decades and has led to positive changes in the country’s healthcare landscape.
“Malawi’s commitment to combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria is a beacon of hope for the region.
“The partnership between Malawi and the Global Fund has been critical in achieving the progress we’ve seen, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative work,” Morauta said.
Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, also addressed the gathering, expressing her gratitude for the continued support from international partners. She highlighted the role of the First Lady, Monica Chakwera, in advancing the national health agenda and supporting efforts to reduce the impact of these diseases.
The dinner, which brought together key stakeholders in the fight against these diseases, marked the 52nd Global Fund Board Meeting which is being held in Malawi.
As the Global Fund Board Meeting continues in the country, the focus remains on reaffirming commitments to global health goals and tackling the challenges that remain.
Communities vow to restore the environment in Balaka
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka November 19, Mana: Community members around Chimpakati in Balaka pledged to commit themselves to restoring the environment under Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP).
Visiting the area, one can easily see the urgent need for restoring the environment for vegetative cover after deforestation and the need to improve soil fertility as the landscape is largely barren and dry making it vulnerable to natural disasters due to irresponsible human activity.
Speaking on Monday during a media tour, Hilda Andrew, from Namikombe Village and a member of the Catchment Management Committee (CMC), said her community has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including food shortages.
“We were introduced to the programme four years ago through a pilot project, and during that period, we managed to establish several forests, and built features like swales, which have had a significant and positive impact in our area.
“This year, we aim to plant 10,000 trees. As of now, we already have 7,976 seedlings ready to be planted as soon as the rains begin and we hope to expand the forests in this area,” she added.
According to Andrew, the community plans to plant trees that will help to improve soil fertility in their fields, saying over the years, the area has experienced destructive runoff and excessive soil erosion at the expense of food crop production at the household level.
Dyson Donald, another community member, said that communities identified four key areas for reforestation.
“We have witnessed the importance of conserving the environment,” he added, citing a forest that took four years to offer vegetative cover thereby testifying significance of agroforestry.
“In addition, we can harvest honey from the beehives we put in the forest,” according to Donald.
Grive Sanjula who is also Group Village Headman Chimpakati disclosed that local leaders have made a strong commitment to continue conserving the environment by planting more trees.
“At first, we were skeptical about the effectiveness of the project. We now see tangible benefits and we have fully embraced it,
“We are not only working and being economically empowered, but we are also transforming our area. It feels like we are being rewarded for working on projects that directly benefit us, which is a rare and valuable opportunity,” he said.
MWASIP enhances environmental conservation practices
By Milcah Mathias and Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, November 19, Mana: District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko on Tuesday presided over Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) open day, which was meant to highlight various activities that are implemented under the project in the districts to restore the environment.
Speaking during the open day at Kunthembwe Youth Resource Centre, Traditional Authority Kunthembwe in Blantyre, Mdooko appealed to community members to play an active role in conserving the environment.
“We need a better world. Let us participate in activities that are meant to conserve the environment without waiting for donors to fix our environmental problems.
“MWASIP is there to help us protect our environment. We must restore the environment and practice good farming practices that should contribute to the economic growth of the country," said Mdooko.
He therefore advised community members to adopt family planning methods, saying family planning methods help to control family sizes, considering that rapid population growth puts huge pressure on natural resources including high rates of deforestation.
Senior Chief Kunthembwe expressed gratitude for MWASIP, saying apart from mobilizing communities to adopt improved soil and water conservation technologies, the project improved income at household level through matching grants that help community members to run small-scale businesses thereby reducing charcoal production and other forms of deforestation.
“Many people in the community adopt technologies in soil conservation, I will encourage fellow members to continue implementing activities under MWASIP even after the project phases out because the project is really a life changer,” the senior chief added.
Some of the activities that spiced up the event included drama performances, testimony by one of the lead farmers and cinema displays of what MWASIP does in the district.
Blantyre District MWASIP Coordinator, Owen Malimba said that activities under MWASIP in the catchments have been impressive because the participating communities managed to surpass half of the targets, which were supposed to be achieved by the end of 2026.
“We focus on capacity building, and we have structures that are put in place across catchments which are there to carry over after the project phases out," said Malimba.
He therefore advised communities in the catchments to continue conserving the environment to minimize climate change effects.
MWASIP is a government of Malawi project with funding of the World Bank implemented in Blantyre, Neno, Zomba, Machinga, Mangochi, Ntcheu and Balaka districts.
NPC collaborates with MUST to promote Malawi 2063 vision
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo and Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 19, Mana: The Malawi National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the implementation of Malawi’s 2063 Vision, particularly the First 10-Year Implementation Plan (MIP-1).
Speaking at the event in Lilongwe, Director General of NPC, Dr. Thomas Munthali, emphasised that the MIP-1 aims to elevate Malawi’s economic status and help the country achieve most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
He highlighted the importance of national collaboration in driving industrialization, which is a core objective of the plan.
“This MoU will facilitate the effective implementation of the plan, as MUST has the necessary infrastructure and human resources to support its success,” Dr. Munthali stated.
He further stressed the need for Malawi to focus on exporting finished products rather than just raw materials, to boost the country’s economic growth.
In her remarks, Vice Chancellor of MUST, Prof. Address Malata, noted that the university’s role extends beyond producing graduates; it also aims to drive innovation and contribute to the country’s transformation.
“We must utilise the talents of our graduates to transform Malawi in key areas such as industrialization, innovation, and technology,” said Malata.
She further added that MUST have introduced new manufacturing engineering programs to support the goals of the 10-Year Implementation Plan.
The Malawian government is committed to positioning the country as a leading producer by 2030, and this partnership with MUST is seen as a vital step in achieving that vision.
Stakeholders intensify voter registration awareness in Rumphi
By Thula Chisamba
Rumphi, November 19, Mana: With just three days left before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) concludes its second phase of Voter Registration, stakeholders in Rumphi have intensified voter registration awareness amidst low turn-up of potential voters to register themselves.
Speaking Tuesday at Bumba Teachers’ Development Centre, Executive Director of Better Change Organization, Chiponosko Mkandawire advised the youth on the need for them to get registered for them to vote on September 16, 2025.
“Youth need to participate in the affairs of the country, hence the need for all young to patronize voter registration centres so that they enjoy their civic right in the country's decision-making processes,” said Mkandawire.
The Chairperson for Rumphi Urban Youth Network, Madalitso Chipeta also urged young people to come up with plausible solutions for the low turn-up of potential voters during the voter registration exercise.
The efforts aim to address the low voter registration turnout in the district, which locals attribute to a lack of awareness and timing.
Meanwhile, Chidumba Mkandawire, the incumbent legislator for Rumphi Central Constituency, launched an awareness campaign on Monday, urging people to visit registration centers and register.
The second phase of registration commenced on Saturday, November 9 and is expected to be concluded this Friday, November 22, 2024.
Malawi goes to polls on September 16, 2025, to choose a president, legislators and councilors.
Paramount Chief Kyungu recommends chiefs' involvement in SCTP beneficiary enrollment
By George Mponda
Karonga, November 19, Mana: Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga has advised that Chiefs should be actively involved in the re-targeting exercise for the beneficiary enrollment of the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) to ensure efficiency.
Kyungu emphasized the importance of chiefs' involvement in the re-targeting exercise for SCTP locally known as 'Mtukula Pakhomo' during a consultative council meeting in Karonga Tuesday where it was revealed that 8062 households will be enrolled.
"Involving local leaders in the re-targeting process can help ensure that the benefits reach those who need them most. We know who the elderly, chronically sick, and child-headed homes are and we can ensure the creation of an accurate list and make the intervention a success," Kyungu said.
"Initially, officials who were implementing the interventions just went straight into the villages to identify the so-called beneficiaries and they ended up enrolling households which do not deserve to be on the list," he added.
On his part, Karonga District Council (KDC) Chairperson Bellium Msukwa assured Karonga residents that they are going to ensure that only deserving beneficiaries will be enrolled.
"This time around, with the involvement of various stakeholders at council and village levels we will use a beneficiary selection mechanism based on simple, undisputable, verifiable categories such as children, chronically ill and persons living with disabilities," Msukwa said.
According to Principal Social Welfare Officer for KDC Tionge Mbale, they will be categorically re-targeting beneficiaries in line with the SCTP 5-year strategy which aims to enhance the quality of life and resilience for the poorest of the poor and others affected by shocks and lifecycle vulnerabilities.
