By George Mponda

Karonga, June 17, Mana: A new project dubbed Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe m’Malawi (UCHI) has been launched in Karonga to strengthen, protect livelihoods and ensure food security in the face of climate and economic shocks in the district.

Speaking during the project's inception meeting on Tuesday, Kingsley Makiyoni, Interim Country Director for Christian Aid (CA) said the project to be implemented from 2024 to 2028 will be jointly implemented by Karonga District Council and Christian Aid.

"The main goal of the project is to help make Malawi's food systems more sustainable and inclusive. It aims to improve natural resource management, prevent land degradation, enhance biodiversity and biomass, boost food security, and uplift livelihoods in Karonga," said Makiyoni.

Makiyoni added that the project will focus on preserving, restoring, and regenerating natural resources and ecosystems, promoting sustainable and inclusive value chains and improving dietary intake and diversity among the targeted population.

"To support implementation, Christian Aid has allocated a vehicle, three motorcycles and technical expertise to Karonga district," he explained.

Representing the District Commissioner, Director of Health Services for Karonga, David Sibale welcomed the project saying it aligns well with Malawi’s development blueprint, Malawi 2063.

"The project’s focus on agricultural productivity, land conservation, trade, and sustainable food systems is exactly what Karonga needs. As a disaster prone district, the combined effects of climate change and deforestation have led to declining food security, so engaging local communities will be key to ensuring a lasting impact, “said Sibale.

The UCHI project to benefit 25, 817 households will be implemented in the areas of Senior Chiefs Mwirang'ombe, Mwakaboko, and Paramount Chief Kyungu. It is funded by the European Union to the tune of €914,386.36, with an additional €48,125.60 in co-financing from Christian Aid.

Apart from Karonga, the project is also being implemented in nine other districts: Chitipa, Mzimba, Nkhatabay, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, Salima, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, and Mulanje.