By Yankho Kandio

Salima, April 19, Mana: Children from Chinguluwe and Lipimbi wards in Salima on Friday were given a rare opportunity of speaking directly to duty bearers about issues affecting their lives during a Children’s Parliament session organized by World Vision Malawi.

The event, which took place under the theme of child participation and empowerment, brought together children from various schools in the area, who debated and presented their views on pressing matters such as climate change, education, and child welfare.

In his remarks, Member of Parliament (MP) for Dedza North Constituency and Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs, Savel Kafwafwa, commended World Vision for creating a platform that allows children to raise their voices on issues that matter to them.

He said the initiative provides lawmakers with first hand insight into the challenges that children face.

“Children’s Parliament is a good platform where we can learn about issues affecting them. It is different when a teacher reports to you, but when you interact directly with children you get to hear the real issues from them,” he said.

He recalled a previous event where children reported a case of abuse by a teacher.

“Upon investigation, the claim was found to be true and the teacher was arrested. This is the power of giving children a voice,” he said.

Kafwafwa emphasized the importance of sustaining such initiatives beyond donor support, calling for government funding through district councils.

He suggested allocating part of the school improvement grant towards establishing children’s parliaments across constituencies.

World Vision Malawi Project Officer for Livelihood and Resilience, Adamson Kamwana, said the organization is child focused and believes in allowing children to speak for themselves.

“We realized that oftentimes decisions are made on behalf of children without really listening to them. This platform allows them to share their concerns directly with those who have the power to act,” Kamwana said.

He noted that such forums have contributed to national policy changes, citing the law prohibiting child marriage under the age of 18, which was influenced in part by children’s advocacy through similar platforms.

Speaker of the House, Grace Dumbo, hailed the initiative as a milestone in empowering children.

“This Parliament gives us chance to raise our concerns and propose solutions. We feel to be part of the society.

“These platforms help to shape policy and inspire children to dream big. Some of those who were in Standard Six when we started are now in college, motivated by these experiences,” she said.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, April 19, Mana:  The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has warned of the threat of high flash floods over lakeshore areas of Nkhata Bay and Karonga from April 18 into the weekend.

In an interview DCCMS Head of Public Weather and Aviation Services, Yobu Kachiwanda, said Mwera winds will blow over lake Malawi and other water bodies as such people should stay alert, avoid swimming, fishing and sailing in small boats during such winds.

“People in northern region and lakeshore areas should follow precautionary measures following an issued warning of active rain-belt which will cause flash floods. People with asthmatic conditions are asked to be extra careful during this week as temperature may drop significantly," Kachiwanda said.

In the past week, Malawi experienced hot conditions with rains over many areas which were locally heavy.

The highest reported 24 hourly rainfalls was recorded at Kabalelyamayolo in Karonga with 126.8mm on April 7.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Spokesperson, Chipiliro Khamula, said the Department has activated all inter agency working committees for preparations and anticipatory actions.

He said national emergency operation centre has also been activated for coordinating disaster preparedness and response.

“People are advised to move to safer and higher areas as a matter of urgency, follow weather updates through various communication channels and platforms. Avoid crossing flooded rivers and walking through running water, among others.

“The public should stay away from power lines, electrical wires and report fallen power lines to authorities,” he said.

In the 2023/2024 rainy season, Mangochi District experienced floods along Lake Malawi and Shire River due to rising level of the lake and the river, forcing a number of families to flee to safer places, leaving behind houses that were constructed in flood prone places.

The situation saw some concerned people in Mangochi petitioning the district council to force authorities to open gates at Kamuzu Barrage at Liwonde to let water go down stream, blaming the barrage gates to be contributing factor to the lake and river side flooding.   

By Wellington Sibale

Neno, April 17, Mana: Malawi Prison Service (MPS) on Thursday handed over Luwani Prison facilities to the Neno District Council, marking the final phase in the decommissioning of the institution following the closure of the prison on May 13, 2024 as part of the government’s strategic relocation plan.

Deputy Commissioner of Prisons, Zacchaeus M’bawa, said the decision to close the prison was part of the strategic move to return what used to be a prison facility to the community to use it for a different purpose.

“We wanted to return the prison infrastructures to the community and we needed a proper handover. There is no prison here anymore as the inmates have been transferred to Mwanza Prison,” said M’bawa.

He said there was no pressing issue prompting the closure as the move to close the prison aligns with broader institutional plans.

According to M’bawa, the roofless houses on site will be handled by the District Commissioner’s office.

An inventory of the remaining infrastructure was handed over to the Council as part of the transition and this includes 2.5 hectares of farm land, residential blocks, office space and structures such as a tailoring shop, livestock enclosures and toilet facilities.

Neno District Council Director of Administration, Leonard Mchombo, thanked the MPS for facilitating a smooth transition.

He highlighted the council’s intention to repurpose the premises for community benefit.

“This facility will no longer serve as a prison. There is a police station, a hospital and even a school in the vicinity and we plan to use these buildings to support services that lack infrastructure.

“For instance, the facilities can be turned into a community day secondary school and we are considering converting some of these houses into classrooms,” Mchombo said.

Group Village Head Ngwenyama welcomed the closure of the facility saying the prison had offered little benefit to the surrounding community.

“We long believed the land could be put to better use such as farming. After all we have a prison in Mwanza,” he said.

Neno District Council in consultation with communities intends to maintain and utilize the former Neno Prison facilities for more activities per development aspirations of the communities.

By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, April 19, Mana: Ministry of Agriculture, through the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), has unveiled a major initiative aimed at revolutionizing the country’s agricultural sector by promoting innovative farming technologies.

The development was showcased during an Agricultural Field Day held at Chisepo in Traditional Authority (TA) Kayembe, Dowa on Thursday.

The event, held in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), highlighted ongoing efforts under the Smallholder Agriculture Productivity and Promotion (SAPP) Tool Project to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

Speaking during the event, Controller of Agricultural Extension and Technical Services Alfred Mwenefumbo said the Ministry is working on establishing demonstration farms across the country where new technologies can be introduced and tested by farmers.

“The idea is to have five or six sectoral farms where we can demonstrate the various technologies developed by our research department.

“We’ve introduced innovations such as tablet fertilizers; one tablet dissolved in 200 litres of water is enough for a hectare of land. These are the kinds of technologies we want farmers to adopt,” he said.

He revealed that over 200 technologies are ready for dissemination, ranging from soil health management tools to improved agricultural practices, all aimed at increasing yield and strengthening food security.

With funding from IFAD, the SAPP Tool Project is being implemented in four districts, each expected to host a mega memonstration farm that will serve as a model for technology adoption.

“Our goal is to see widespread uptake of these innovations by 2030,” Mwenefumbo added.

IFAD Country Representative, Bernadette Mukonyora, praised the initiative, saying it reflects progress in achieving Malawi’s long-term development agenda, Malawi 2063, particularly in the area of agricultural commercialization.

“What we are witnessing here is the actualization of Malawi 2063’s first pillar. Farmers are not just adopting innovations, they’re understanding and articulating them in their own terms,” Mukonyora said.

She noted that the farmers demonstrated strong knowledge of fertilizer use, soil health, and modern farming methods, showing how research is being translated into practical, community-based solutions.

“In the wake of global crises like the Ukraine war, which disrupted grain supply chains, it’s clear Africa must invest more in agricultural research and development.

“Africa has the potential to feed itself and become the world’s breadbasket but only if we take agriculture seriously and ensure that research is market-driven,” she said.

The field day was held under the theme: “Connecting Farmers to Innovation for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity and Improved Livelihoods.”

By Bazilio Chingoli

Ntcheu, April 18, Mana: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Malawi, Babagana Ahmadu, has assured the country of continued support for land and forest restoration interventions.

Ahmadu made the commitment on Thursday during a visit to Mpira catchment area in Ntcheu district, which is undergoing forest restoration to extend the lifespan of Mpira Dam.

While commending the efforts of the local community in taking care of the forest, Ahmadu emphasized the need for collective action to address the challenges facing ecosystems globally.

"Dealing with the challenges of climate change is everyone's responsibility," Ahmadu said adding, "We must work together to prevent encroachment on reserved land and forests, particularly for activities like charcoal burning."

Herbert Nkhobwe, a lead farmer from Gomeza village, praised FAO for its technical and financial support, saying it has transformed their lives.

 "We can now enjoy wild fruits and animals in the Nkhongo Yazizila forest," Nkhobwe said.

Fynes Chinkhonyo, a farmer from Kasale village, echoed Nkhobwe's sentiments, thanking FAO for its interventions.

"With FAO's support, we are now food secure. They provided us with goats and chickens, which give us manure to fertilize our farm fields,” she added.

Since 2021, FAO has been collaborating with communities along the Mpira catchment area in Ntcheu district on land and forest restoration initiatives aimed at extending the lifespan of the Mpira Dam, which was constructed in 1987.

By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, April 17, Mana: Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) has expressed concern over increased vandalism and theft of critical water infrastructure at its project sites in Chiradzulu District.

Speaking earlier in the week during a community engagement meeting at Traditional Authority Onga headquarters, SRWB Chiradzulu Water Supply Project Officer Emmanuel Chifuniro said the board was losing a lot of resources to replace stolen and vandalized equipment such as electricity transformers and water system components.

“Our core mandate is to supply clean water to people. To achieve this, we are implementing various water supply projects across the country, including here in Chiradzulu.

“However, we are not making progress here because of rampant theft and vandalism of vital equipment. For example, this area does not have electricity, so we installed a transformer to support the water project,” he added.

SRWB further pointed out that on a number of occasions, it replaced stolen equipment, but to no success, as theft and vandalism continued.

“Unfortunately, the transformer was stolen. We replaced it, and it was stolen again just days later. This not only delays implementation but also drains our resources,” Chifuniro added.

He disclosed that the water supply project, which is being financed internally by SRWB, has already seen over K600 million invested, hence appealed to community members to take ownership and safeguard the development project.

“We urge all residents to help protect our equipment. Without your cooperation, it's difficult to finalize the project,” Chifuniro said, expressing hope that bringing electricity and water supply will transform the area socio-economically on top of promoting good hygiene practices.

Commenting on the matter, Chiradzulu District Council Water Development Officer, Macpherson Kuseli, said despite the district achieving a 97 percent access to potable water, vandalism remains a major threat to water service delivery.

“Once this project is complete, it will benefit many households and public institutions such as Chiradzulu District Hospital and surrounding health centres. This is why we need to come together and address these challenges,” Kuseli said.

While welcoming the development, Group Village Head Onga stressed the importance of involving the communities from the onset of a project and advised SRWB to consider hiring well-trained and competent security personnel to protect the infrastructure.

“We were not consulted when the project began, so people didn’t understand its importance. Now that you have involved us, we will take a leading role in ensuring its protection,” said Onga.

Chairperson for Chiradzulu District Community Policing Forum, Adamson Luvelo, assured SRWB officials that the forum and other community-level policing structures will work in collaboration with the police and surrounding communities to protect project equipment.

The meeting brought together officials from the Chiradzulu District Council, magistrates, police in the district, SRWB officials, local leaders, community policing members, and community members from traditional authorities Mpama and Onga.

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, April 17, Mana: Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedict Chambo has urged agriculture extension workers in Rumphi to help farmers venture into irrigation farming in order to avert hunger that the district is experiencing due to dry spells in 2024-25 growing season.

Chambo made the remarks on Wednesday when he visited Chipofya Irrigation Scheme under construction at Bolero in Rumphi, and he also engaged farmers around Bolero, Chinyolo, Bale and Mzokoto.

He noted that the dry spells in the district have affected at least 1,000 hectares of crops and that many people are at risk of experiencing hunger.

The Deputy Minister added that, while the irrigation scheme under construction is expected to be operational by August benefiting at least 300 hectares of crop fields, there is need to utilize all available water resources in order to fight hunger.

"Fortunately we have the South Rukuru River along the M1 Road which has been underutilized. We want to give farmers the necessary equipment such as solar pumps and access to farm inputs through NEEF loans so that by May they should start planting.

"The Ministry of Agriculture is also working closely with Ministry of Finance to make funds that support irrigation infrastructure available immediately so that they may assist with implementation of these plans," said Chambo.

District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu, said the district has mobilized farmers into groups and that it is also engaging NEEF to help farmers interested in irrigation farming with farm inputs loans.

"Most farmers along the M1 Road are ready and some have already cleared part of the land in readiness for irrigation farming. They are only waiting for our support in terms of irrigation equipment such as solar pumps and other equipment.

"Rumphi has over 10,000 hectares of land that can be utilized for irrigation farming and, currently, only 3000 hectares are used for irrigation," said Bulukutu.

Resident Engineer for Chipofya Irrigation Scheme Victor Mateveke said the team working on the project is optimistic that they will be able to make water available for farmers’ use by August.

One of the farmers from Chilengeska Irrigation Scheme in Senior Chief Mwankhunikira, Chance Nyirenda, said he has been supporting his family, including four children who are in secondary school, through irrigation farming.

"After harvesting I sell the surplus and use the money to pay for my children's school fees. Irrigation farming is lucrative and the deputy minister has just motivated us to do more. I am sure we will get modern irrigation equipment from the government to support us," said Nyirenda.

Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said the scheme will enable farmers in his area to plant three times in a year, which will improve their household income through selling surplus.

Chipofya Irrigation Scheme is under Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE). Once completed the K11 billion project is expected to benefit 2,482 people from nine villages in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe in the district.

It is funded by Malawi Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).