By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, January 30, Mana: Department of Forestry says there is need for more stakeholders in nurturing the newly planted trees as the department cannot handle the task alone.

Speaking when the Malawi Tourism Council, along with students from the Malawi Institute of Tourism, planted 1,000 trees in Michiru Forest Reserve, the department's forestry officer Lonjezo Kalema said although there are partners with the Council in tree planting, there is need for more stakeholders to jointly take care of the trees.

“During forest season which runs from December 15 to April 15, many companies and institutions help us to plant trees. However, there are fewer institutions that team with us to see that trees are growing, protecting them from bushfires and humans.

“Institutions should take the responsibility to see that trees planted have grown to maturity,” Kalema who represented the Southern Zone Forestry Manager said.

She expressed concern that people from areas around Michiru Forest Reserve are refusing to take ownership and are still cutting down trees in the reserve without care.

National Tourism Council Taskforce Chairperson, Matthews Mfune, said they were moved by saddening stories of how Michiru Forest Reserve is fast losing forest cover.

He said the Council plans to reach out to communities around the reserves on tree care and nurturing.

By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, January 29, Mana: Member of Parliament (MP) for Dedza North, Savel Kafwafwa, has emphasized the need for more cassava farming interventions to ensure a household has food throughout the year.

Kafwafwa made the remarks when he led distribution of cassava cuttings to over 500 households at Senior Chief Tambala court in Dedza district on Monday.

He said hunger has been the story of each passing day in the area hence his intervention to ensure a more sustainable means of ensuring that households have something to eat every day.

“If you listen attentively, you will notice that the hunger stories are almost the same year in year out. And I thought it is now time to consider some more sustainable means because maize is more demanding. One needs new inputs every season,” he said.

The MP added that maize farming is weather sensitive such that if anything changes in terms of weather, people suffer while cassava farming survives any weather and keeps multiplying itself thereby benefitting others in the process.

“So, that is why for our areas, specifically Dedza North, we feel that growing cassava on a large scale will help us defeat hunger. For others who may grow maize, let them do that aside of having cassava which is something that is sustainable and dependable,” stated Kafwafwa.

The Dedza North legislator, who pumped in K1.5 million for the intervention, further said both weather and soil in the area favour cassava growing and that it is his vision to make the constituency famous for cassava growing.

“Our vision is that each family here should have 120 plants of cassava because that formula is equal to four months cover of one plant a day per household. And we are appealing to other well-wishers to come and help us because we feel we have found a formula of completely eliminating hunger in this area,” he said.

Senior Group Village Headman Chibwana Mlozi, who is also Senior Counselor for Senior Chief Tambala, said hunger situation in the area is dire, adding, unlike in the past when people relied on mangoes and other fruits, communities are currently hands tied.

He hailed the MP for the strategy, saying it diversifies farming methods in the area and that any family that does not heed the call risks being disciplined.

Some of the beneficiaries, Manuella Thomas and Mussa Kausa, expressed gratitude at the initiative, saying cassava farming does not need much and is a great relief when it comes to hunger. They both promised to multiply the stems so that others also benefit from the same.

Dedza District Principal Agriculture Officer Lana Chikonkheni said currently, 15 percent of the households in the district are facing hunger. She, however, said the families have coping mechanisms; for example, doing some casual labour or being assisted by their neighbor’s which she said are not sustainable ways.

“One of the sustainable ways is what we have witnessed today where hundreds of families have received the cassava cuttings. Naturally, these do not need much labour which will be simple for families that are run by females or child headed.

“This initiative will go a long way in improving welfare of the households in the area and Dedza as a whole because the tuber itself can be sold, so too are the stems and the leaves. On top of that, these are hybrid; something that gives us an assurance that within six months, communities here will start harvesting,” said Chikonkheni.

By Wongani mkandawire

Nkhotakota, January 29, Mana: The Ministry of health, has received medical equipment worth about 800 million kwachas from the United States of America through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

A press statement released on Monday says, the equipment which has been donated under the Momentum Tikweze umoyo project would assist frontline health workers in the districts of Karonga, Nkhotakota, chitipa, salima and Kasungu in offering better maternal health services.

USAID Acting Mission Director Michael Rossman said the American people through USAID, are committed to investing in Malawi’s primary health care services in order to help build a healthy population at the Centre of Malawi’s 2063 goals.

He said the US government is a proud partner of the government of Malawi and they will help equip healthcare workers with the skills and tools to save lives.

The equipment which has been donated through the project which is being implemented by AMREF health Africa, includes oxygen concentrators and cylinders, examination couches, delivery and patient beds, blood pressure machines, newborn resuscitation stations and machines for vacuum assisted delivery.

Speaking on behalf of health facilities that received the support, Director of health services at the Nkhotakota district hospital, Dr Jacob Kafulafula expressed hope that indicators on health services delivery will improve in the five districts with the coming in of the essential medical equipment.

Momentum Tikweze Umoyo is implementing a multi-billion-kwacha project in five targeted districts of Karonga, Nkhotakota, Chitipa, Salima and Kasungu.

By Tracy Kafansiyanji

Dedza, January 29, Mana: Government, through the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Friday distributed maize to some households struggling with hunger under Traditional Authorities Kamenyagwaza and Kachindamoto in Dedza district.

Dedza District Commissioner, Thomas Chigwenembe, said the exercise was the beginning of two months relief food distribution programme to support the needy and marginalised households.

"This is a two-month exercise whereby each household will get one 50 kilogramme bag of maize from January to February. We intend to reach out to 44,333 deserving households across the district.

“We are expecting more tons of maize which will be ready soon for distribution to the rest of the families from the remaining traditional authorities by next week,” said Chigwenembe.

Dedza Council Chairperson, Blessings Mkweu, said hunger situation in most parts of the district is worrisome and more people are starving as they cannot afford a kilogram of maize let alone 50 kilogrammes which is selling at K50,000.

“It will be appreciated if Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, partners and other stakeholders collaborate with government to end hunger,” stated Mkweu.

Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza has since hailed government for delivering on its promise saying they have been struggling since October, 2023 saying people relied on mangoes and other fruits for their survival while others went around in search for pieces of work instead of working in their farms.

One of the beneficiaries, Logelio Mgumbi, expressed gratitude for the donation calling upon other well-wishers to come in and reach out to others people.

By Maston Kaiya

Ntcheu, January 29, Mana: National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) says district council budgets are crucial for the achievement of the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) hence the need for review before final submission of the budgets. 

NLGFC Internal Audit Manager, Thomson Longwe, made the remarks Friday at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre during Ntcheu District Council budget review session.

Longwe advised councils to take budget sessions seriously saying if the budgets are not properly prepared councils would have lost the whole year before the year even starts. 

"For Malawi to develop, we need councils to drive the MW2063 agenda and be able to reach the extreme end of the communities with development," said Longwe.

NLGFC organized the meeting to review council budgets in line with guidelines before final submission.

Ntcheu District Commissioner, George Ngaiyaye, said the council has three major sources of revenue namely; locally generated revenue, central government transfers and donor funds/development partners which enables the council to fulfill its mandates to the local populace.

"Every year, council annual budgets are in line with the District Development Plans, Malawi 2063 pillars and enablers among other regulatory documents," said Ngaiyaye.

He said during the 2023/2024 financial year, the council channeled its resources towards the implementation of development projects, improvement of health care services, primary education, environment, natural resources and agriculture among others.

Ntcheu District Council budget for 2024/2025 financial year is pegged at MK4,626,953,477.

By Monica Banda

Mchinji, January 29, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Friday distributed 640 bags of maize to households grappling with hunger in Traditional Authority (TA) Mavwere in Mchinji, as part of the lean season food insecurity response programme.

Disaster Risk Management Officer for Mchinji, Jonathan Kapatsa said the programme aims to assist 22,444 beneficiaries in the area.

Kapatsa said the Department is committed to fulfilling the promise made to Malawians by providing maize to those facing food insecurity.

“We have distributed maize to those that are food insecure; we are fulfilling the promise that was made to Malawians to distribute maize to those that are unable to find food for themselves,” Kapatsa said.

He acknowledged that some individuals have resorted to consuming inappropriate food due to desperation and expressed confidence that the distributed maize would contribute to improving the overall health of the beneficiaries.

Silvia Abinala, a recipient from Nkusachitete Village, TA Mavwere, expressed gratitude for government's assistance.

She highlighted that the relief the 50-kilogramme bag of maize brings to her family is huge.

"My family and I have endured days on an empty stomach due to lack of food. Receiving this maize is a tremendous help and I truly appreciate the gesture,” said Abinala.

Another beneficiary from Kachigulu Village, Dzuma Batinosi, thanked government for the donation.

As someone unable to work independently because of disability, Batinosi underscored the significance of ongoing support, urging government to consider expanding the assistance to reach more individuals in need.

"It will also be beneficial if they can increase the number of people," Batinosi said.

The overall objective of the lean season food insecurity response programme is to provide lifesaving food assistance to food insecure households in order to prevent deterioration of food insecurity and nutrition status among the affected communities.

Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) projects that 4.4 million people, representing 22 percent of the total population, are facing food shortage.

By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, January 27, Mana: Tobacco Commission (TC) on Saturday held a tree-planting exercise at Kadude village in Traditional Authority Mavwere in Mchinji where a remarkable 4,200 trees were planted.

This initiative followed President Lazarus Chakwera’s national forestry season launch on January 8 in Phalombe, and a Mchinji district tree planting launch on January 26.

George Chinkhandwe, the director of technical services at TC, expressed the Commission's commitment to promoting environmental responsibility among tobacco farmers.

"We are at the forefront of encouraging tobacco farmers because we know that tobacco farmers use trees, and only if the trees are replenished can the tobacco industry progress. Tobacco buyers are now emphasizing that only those countries that are encouraging tree planting will be preferred destinations for their tobacco purchases,” said Chinkhandwe underscoring the critical role that environmental practices play in the economic viability of the tobacco sector.

Agnes Nkusa Nkhoma, the Member of Parliament for the area, emphasised the importance of nurturing the newly planted trees. 

"Following the President's tree planting season launch, we should make sure that we all participate in planting trees and that the trees are taken care of. We must stop those who wantonly cut down trees and burn charcoal,” said Nkusa Nkhoma.

Senior Chief Mavwere added a layer of cultural responsibility to the initiative, urging his fellow chiefs to lead by example.

"Chiefs should have their own forests in their villages which will motivate the people to have their own forests," he said.

The forestry officer, Tadala Chafukira, expressed gratitude to TC for their proactive involvement and also reminded the community of their role in safeguarding the trees.

"This exercise shows that the department and the commission are moving on the same path by supporting the tree planting initiative. TC has brought the trees to the community, so the people must take care of the trees,” said Chafukira.

In order to broaden the impact, some fruit trees were distributed to schools around Kadude village in the TA, enriching not only the environment but also the local communities.

This year’s tree planting season theme is ‘Forest Innovation in Action: Reforestation for a Sustainable Tomorrow’. 

By Evance Chisiano

Blantyre, January 28, Mana: Parents of children with albinism in Blantyre have called on Malawi Law Commission to widen child rights education through various ways and means that should help to deepen Malawians’ understanding on Child Care, Protection and Justice Act and other laws that protect children with albinism against crime.

The parents made the call in Lunzu in Blantyre on Saturday when Ujamaa Pamodzi Africa, a non-profiting organization dedicated to child protection, organized training for parents of children with albinism to discuss laws that protect children against violence and other social ills.

After listening to the Malawi Law Commission presentation, one of the parents, Debora Wind, said Ujamaa Pamodzi Africa, the Malawi Law Commission and partners should widen awareness on Child Care, Just and Protect Act and other laws that shall help citizens to realize that children with albinism were equally entitled to their full rights to live and be protected like other children.

“We wish this awareness could be put across Malawi so that a lot of people can fully understand laws that protect children, including those with albinism. I know ignorance of the law is not defence but I know that some of the crimes against children with albinism are committed out of ignorance of the law,” she added.

Ujamaa Pamodzi Africa engaged the Malawi Law Commission to sensitize parents of children with albinism on laws that protect children against violence, and some areas in the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act were lengthily discussed for better understanding.

Chief Civic Education Officer for Malawi Law Commission, Gills Msiska, said the commission reaches out to Malawians with child rights education through many avenues such as Joint Programme for Girls Education (JPGE) but said this was not enough because Malawians need more understanding on laws that protect children.

“We work with different partners to educate Malawians on laws that protect children but we know there is a lot to be done for people to fully understand to respect rights of children,” he added.

The Malawi Law Commission, in partnership with Ujamaa Pamodzi Africa, has been in Blantyre, Mangochi, Salima, Dedza and Kasungu to raise awareness on child rights through UNICEF supported JPGE programme.

Ujamaa Pamodzi Country Director Martin Ndirangu said the organization is currently implementing a project to do with child rights with focus on children with albinism in Mchinji, Lilongwe and Mzimba, apart from Blantyre.

“We equip children with albinism with knowledge on child rights and skills to protect themselves from violence and we also train parents so that they should have knowledge on child rights,” he added.

National Coordinator for Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), Maynard Zakariya, hailed Ujamaa Africa, the Malawi Law Commission and other partners for reaching out to children with albinism and parents with wider knowledge on child rights.

He, however, said there was need to roll out civic education on child rights, adding that most of the attacks and other forms of crime against people with albinism are done based on myths and misconceptions.

“More need to be done. We are ready to work with partners until rights of people with albinism are fully respected,” Zakariya added and called for more support from law enforcing agents to deal with crimes against people with albinism in Malawi.

District Social Welfare Office in Blantyre, Malawi Police Service through Community Policing sector, and District Education Office made their presentations in Lunzu on issues of child development, parenting, child protection, child education and other areas of child welfare.