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Project improves environmental conservation awareness
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 22, Mana: Participants under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CSEPWP) at Chankhungu in Traditional Authority Nkukula in Dowa, have hailed the project saying it has helped raise awareness on environmental conservation amongst community members.
In an interview during a media tour to appreciate progress of the project, Liston Chipokosa of Kaliza village said at first, there were high cases of environmental degradation due to little awareness on environmental management.
“Many people were not aware of the importance of protecting the environment and how degradation can directly affect us. For example, there was careless cutting down of trees.
“This resulted into high incidences of soil erosion and loss of soil fertility, which affected crop production and food security,” said Chipokosa who is also chairperson for Chankhungu catchment.
However, he said since joining the program in 2022, there has been an improvement in environmental management.
Under the program which is being funded by the World Bank and Multi Donor Trust Agency and facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee, he said participants are implementing various interventions to reclaim degraded lands.
“We are constructing swales to improve water drainage, constructing stone bunds for soil and water conservation, planting vetiver grass to reduce soil erosion and rainwater runoff. We are also conducting reafforestation activities.
“Apart from that, we have check dams to reduce water speeds, conserve soil and fill gullies. So far, we have seen that we have a better environment, and our fields are more productive than before,” he said.
Christina Chigeza of Chigowo village said previously there were some pieces of land they had stopped cultivating due to degradation. But under the project, they have managed to reclaim the fields and resumed cultivation.
She said this has also motivated other people who were at first reluctant to allow projects like swale construction on their lands, to embrace the interventions.
“Apart from land reclamation activities, the program has also been a source of income for us.
“As a single mother, it was difficult to take care of my family without income. But under the program, we receive some money at every cycle which helps me take care of my children. We are thankful for that and wish for the program to continue,” she said.
Land Resource Conservation Officer at Dowa District Council, Tamerson Mhone, who is also Desk Officer for the project in the district, said it was encouraging to note that the project is creating not only physical structures but also knowledge.
“Knowledge is priceless. If people understand the importance of environmental conservation, it is easier for them to own the interventions and implement these for a very long time,” he said.
Emmie Deebo to spice up Blantyre’s fiesta
By Ivy Yohane
Blantyre, October 22, Mana: Akometsi Entertainment has organized a music show dubbed Emmie Deebo’s City Fiesta, which will take place on Saturday October 26 at Robins Park in Blantyre with an aim of bringing entertainment to Blantyre fans.
Emmie Deebo whose real name is Emily Zintambila is one of the trending female musicians, signed under Akometsi Entertainment and gained fame with hits like Changa featuring Qaso, Befu in which she featured Kelly Kay, Sheli Banana, among others.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Akometsi Entertainment Operations and Marketing Manager, Laurent Kwakwala said that the growing demand from Emmie Deebo’s fans in Blantyre has made them to organize the show.
"It’s part of her growth as an artist and at the same time giving her fans from Blantyre what they want and should expect a memorable performance from her,” he said.
Kwakwala confirmed that they are done with the preparations and assured that there will be enough security as they have hired a private security firm.
“Emmie Deebo is ready for the show and she has been and is still training with her band, dancers and crew to give her fans an electrifying performance and we have partnered with a few companies namely; Hirwa General Dealers (HGD) which is a brand that Emmie represents, Trust Networks, Blues Bar and Restaurant, Mikozi, Videogenics, Direct Marketing and other partners we are yet to announce,” he added.
In a separate interview, one of the artists that will perform on the day and known for energetic live performances, Pempho Eliah, popularly known as Fada Moti said he has been preparing for the show and promised an extraordinary performance.
"I am well prepared and i just want to let people know that I will give them what Fada Moti is best known for,” he said.
Other supporting artists include; E-iconz from Uganda, Charisma, Teddy, Jay Jay Cee, Wikise, Achina Gattah Aise, Aidfest and Kineo, Qaso, Mellz, Sife and Diego.
The show will be hosted by Joy Nathu and Hanareen Doness.
Revitalizing Agriculture: Dedza’s Malindima Irrigation Scheme
By: Steve Chirombo
Dedza, October 21, Mana: In the heart of Dedza, in Group Village Head Mwanzimba, under Traditional Authority Kaphuka, lies the Malindima Irrigation Scheme, a 22.5-hectare agricultural project with the potential to expand to 40 hectares.
Since its inception in 2018, the scheme has empowered 103 farmers, transforming their lives and livelihoods.
As witnessed recently, during a field day, the farmers are into cassava, mangoes, guavas, oranges with a focus on Irish potato.
The communities had established it as an irrigation scheme around 1990s but it did not bring the much desired results up until 2018 when Self Help Africa (SHA) intervened under its project on Achieving Sustainable Poverty Reduction through Increased Inclusive Resilience and Empowerment (ASPIRE) with support from the Embassy of Ireland.
Today, the story is different and there are tears of joy in most faces of the farmers under Malindima Irrigation Scheme.
"I was able to buy goats after selling my produce in the first year (2020), cattle in the second year (2021), built a house in the third year (2022), and purchased a motorbike in the fourth year (2023). I expect to buy a vehicle this year," said Ikirifi Kambali, a 24-year-old farmer.
He expressed gratitude at SHA for the support saying through the canals that were constructed at the site, farmers find it easy to irrigate their crops and that it is cost-effective.
He went on to advise his fellow youths to stop looking down at themselves saying everything is possible.
“We start small and grow big. All we need to do is to stop being lazy and start working hard,” stated Kambali
Lebian Sefas, another beneficiary, shared her success story: "I constructed a house and quarters in 2019, bought goats and chickens in 2020, built another quarters in 2021, and purchased a dairy cow in 2022. I also ventured into beekeeping, with five beehives producing 40-60 liters of honey. All these from the scheme."
According to Sefas, 1 liter of honey gives him MK6, 000 translating to total sales of around MK360, 000 which he uses to purchase farm inputs and also helping his children’s education.
He hailed SHA and government extension workers for the support not only at the irrigation scheme but also instilling in them expertise in modern farming.
Boston Mwase, Secretary of the Malindima Irrigation Scheme, emphasized the importance of diversifying crops.
"Our secret is to have a variety of crops planted here so that we stand better in markets. We have food and are also economically empowered through the scheme.
“The support from SHA has seen an improvement in our living standards through food and good housing as well as sending our children to school on top of having livestock. The scheme is keeping each one of us busy than indulging in things that can negatively affect our lives,” said Mwase
However, Mwase said for sustainability’s sake, they have a bank account to which they deposit annual membership fees which goes towards maintenance of the scheme.
The scheme's success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of SHA, the government, and the farmers themselves.
Barton Mwale, SHA's Food Security and Resilient Coordinator, expressed happiness at the great work farmers at Malindima Irrigation Scheme are doing saying his organization is there to promote and complement the government’s vision and that of the Ministry of Agriculture.
“We have seen the irrigation farming these farmers are doing which is one of the activities that complement agriculture production instead of depending only on rain fed agriculture. These are things we expect,” he said.
According to Mwale, for all this to be achieved, it took an initiative to train the farmers and they had to contribute 20 percent of the things to have the scheme running.
Among others, SHA provided the farmers with cement and artisans that constructed the scheme.
“These are the results that we have seen that the farmers are now able to stand on their own. They are able to build houses, buy livestock with others purchasing dairy cows which is a good thing.
“And we have seen a young man who says is ready to buy a 3 tonne vehicle after selling his Irish potato this year, a thing that we appreciate. We can as well see that farming is bringing an impact upon this area and even young people are taking an initiative to take farming as business so that they can help in their day to day life,” he emphasized.
Mwale further appealed to farmers to ensure that environmental conservation is sustained saying one cannot talk about agriculture without conserving the environment. He added that agriculture is done on the land and for it to be protected, it needs trees and for the trees to do well, they need water.
“For water to be used for irrigation, these people need to harvest it during the rainy season. Thus why we are saying they need to promote conservation measures so that during dry season like this one, they will be able to use it for irrigation,” he said.
Shira Kang'ombe, Lilongwe Agriculture Development Division (ADD's) Programs Manager noted the scheme's contribution to achieving the MW2063 vision.
"SHA's intervention complements government efforts, promoting agricultural production and food security. From a look of things here, there is indeed a good working relationship between SHA and government towards achieving the MW2063.
“We have today witnessed the activities these farmers are doing to ensure they plant their crops and harvest others for sale while keeping some for household use which we also advocate as Ministry of Agriculture,” she said.
Kang’ombe said government reaches out to every farmer in its interventions but due to inadequate staff, it becomes a bit easy when other stakeholders like SHA implement similar interventions.
According to Kang’ombe, lack of markets for farmers is due to an oversight that comes in before planting particular crops.
“Farmers should know where to sale their crops but even if that is the case, as a ministry we provide agribusiness trainings which enable them (farmers) to do market research before planting a particular crop.
“They can even reach out to shops, supermarkets just to check on the need, then go back to their farm to do what the market demands them. We will therefore join hands with SHA to train the farmers and also make them be in groups to work as cooperatives to enable them do their farming as business,” indicated Kang’ombe.
Dedza district council, Chairperson, Stanley Manase, commended SHA's support: "Thanks to SHA for enhancing our farming techniques and financing the canal construction and water reservoirs."
He promised to keep linking up with various NGOs and government so as to spread the interventions to other areas within the district.
Manase reminded the farmers that climate change is here hence the need to diversify their farming methods from rain fed to irrigation which has proved beneficial in crop yields.
The Malindima Irrigation Scheme serves as a model for sustainable agricultural practices and community empowerment. The scheme has also promoted environmental conservation, with farmers adopting sustainable farming practices.
Water harvesting has been a crucial aspect of the scheme, ensuring a steady supply for irrigation. Farmers have learned to work together, sharing knowledge and resources. The scheme has transformed the community, providing a sense of pride and ownership among farmers.
As the scheme continues to thrive, it offers a beacon of hope for farmers in the region.
The initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration and community-driven development, paving the way for a brighter future for farmers in Malawi.
SVTP donates vehicle to Nsanje District Council
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, October 22, Mana: Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP) on Tuesday donated a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle worthy over MK192 million to the Department of Lands at Nsanje District Council.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, one of the officials from SVTP, Laura Njoka said the car was donated to facilitate SVTP activities that are taking place in the district.
“We are currently working on land registration and this car will help to make this exercise a success,” she added.
Njoka, therefore, urged authorities at the district council to take good care of the vehicle so that it should serve the council longer.
“Make sure that the vehicle should be serviced on time so that it should not break down,” Njoka advised.
Deputy Director in the Ministry of Lands, Jambo Chidziwitsano said the vehicle has come at the right time as the department is implementing a lot of activities in Nsanje district.
“Currently, we are conducting land registration and also presenting land plans to the community in the district. This car will help to facilitate implementation of such kind of activities,” he added.
Chidziwitsano, however, pointed out that the vehicle will help in the implementation of land activities at district level as the Ministry of Lands has devolved some of its functions to local authorities.
Speaking after receiving the vehicle on behalf of Nsanje District Council, Vice Chairperson for Nsanje District Council, Felix Round applauded SVTP for the timely support.
Round said the vehicle has come at a time when the council is experiencing mobility challenges.
“We have few vehicles which made it difficult for implementation of other programmes. The council will make sure that the vehicle should be used for the intended purposes,” he added.
Round also pledged that the council will take good care of the vehicle so that it should save the people of Nsanje for a long time.
Demand for CS-EPWP increases in Rumphi
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, October 22, Mana: Acting Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AEDO) for Mphompha Extension Planning Area in Rumphi, Dickson Mtawali said that the area has registered increased demand for Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) by farmers.
According to Mtawali, the demand follows successes by their peers who are participants in the programme.
In an interview on Tuesday, Mtawali said farmers themselves have started demanding for the services compared to initial stages when his office struggled to attract farmers to embrace the programme.
"Initially we had challenges to access pieces of land on which we could carry out CS-EPWP activities because some farmers felt that making swales reduced hectares of their farm land hence reducing yield production.
“About 40 percent of farmers have now realized that swales, contour marker ridges and other interventions reduce surface water runoff but instead conserve water and soil for improved agricultural production," said Mtawali.
One of the farmers who is in need of the services, George Mhango said that he had been struggling to contain surface water runoff due to wanton cutting down of trees which led to serious soil degradation and erosion.
He said that following his demand for the services, CS-EPWP participants have since made contour marker ridges in his farm besides planting trees and promoting regeneration of natural trees.
Another beneficiary, Modester Kalua of Mhuju within the EPA said that CS-EPWP activities have enhanced protection of her forest through the use of fire brakes which contain bush fires.
CS-EPWP District Project Facilitator (DPF) for Rumphi, Maclean Munyenyembe said that he is optimistic that the program will enhance farmers’ resilience in responding to climate change shocks and improve food security.
The programme which is being implemented in 28 local authorities is coordinated by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with funding from Multi Donor Trust Fund and World Bank.
CS-EPWP is a Malawi Government programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods (SSRLP) which gears at conserving water and soil among other environmental related elements in response to climate change.
Youth are activists of Climate Change Justice-YOFONAT
By Pickson Chipeso
Lilongwe, October 22, Mana: The youth forum for National Transformation (YOFONAT) has urged youths to engage in climate change justice projects as one way of protecting the environment.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Executive Director of YOFONAT Chifundo Robert, said they are implementing a project in Phalombe and Nsanje districts where they are sensitizing the youth on how to control climate change.
"As YOFONAT, we have targeted Phalombe and Nsanje because these areas are prone to natural disasters, such as the recent impact of Cyclone Freddy," he said.
Robert added that mostly effects of climate change affect young people more than all other demographics and he revealed that statistics shows that almost 70% affected by Cyclone Freddy were young people.
"The youth in Malawi are those between the ages of 18 and 35, so we thought it was important to make them the focus of this project," he explained.
In his remarks, environmental and climate expert Godfrey Mfiti stated that the youth are currently playing a minimal role in shaping the country's future.
"Once the youth take on a leading role and gain a deeper understanding of climate justice, it means we have secured a better future," he said.
“It stipulates that we have higher number of youth that needs to participate fully in climate justice. Previously we used to have more of technical issues, but now we appreciate that climate justice is order of the day through several impacts that injustice to climate brings in the country such as cyclones, floods, irritable rainfall pattern,” he added.
The project which commenced this month is called Youth for Climate Justice and is targeting young people because they are the ones leading various social movement activities in Malawi.
The main goal of the project is to empower young leaders into climate activists to respond effectively to climate change through capacity building.
NICE calls for more awareness amid voter registration in Dedza
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, October 22, Mana: Registration for the 2025 General elections started Monday in Dedza with the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust expressing dissatisfaction with the turnout of people.
NICE Programme’s Manager, Daniel Malango on Tuesday said in an interview that statistics show that most centres failed to register more than 100 registrants.
“The highest we managed to capture was Chimbiya which had close to 200,” he said.
He said different stakeholders including Traditional leaders need to play a vital role in sensitizing communities on the importance of registering and voting in the general election.
He added that the worst group that has not shown interest to register so far are the youth.
Diocesan Coordinator, Dedza Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Lawrence Puliti concurred with Malango that the registration process has started with poor turnout.
He said there is a need for a quick assessment as to why more people are not coming out.
Puliti further said stakeholders need to intensify awareness that people need to register for them to have the opportunity to elect leaders of their choice.
Dedza district has 266 centres where registration is currently taking place.
Ombudsman ventures into MOU with Nkhata Bay Council
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, October 22, Mana: The Office of Ombudsman entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Nkhata Bay District Council on Monday as one way of strengthening transparency, accountability and good governance.
In an interview after an interface meeting with Nkhata Bay District Executive Committee on mobile accountability clinics, Ombudsman Grace Malera said that the MOU is significant because it will enhance collaboration with councils and taking the office to the people.
“Alot of issues and complaints we handle relating to maladministration tend to come from district councils. It is very important to have this kind of arrangement for improved collaboration and we are optimistic to register more success,” Malera said.
According to Malera, the intention is to have desk officers in all councils to make its services more accessible.
In his remarks, Nkhata Bay District Commissioner, Rodgers Newa commended the work that the Ombudsman is doing in the fight against maladministration adding that their coming to the council means better service delivery to the people.
“Public institutions should be closer to the people and that’s what we call service delivery. I am glad that you are here today to highlight to us what you do and your expectations from us. We will give full support to your desk officer,” Newa said.
With support from the UNDP and collaboration with NICE Trust, the Office of the Ombudsman is conducting Mobile Accountability Clinics, a proactive mechanism that the Office of Ombudsman uses to reach communities in rural areas during which all the 19 Area Development Committees will be engaged in Nkhata Bay.
Karonga District Council endorses 2024-2029 DRM plan
By Mary Sichali
Karonga, October 22, Mana: Karonga District Council Development Service Committee has endorsed a Disaster Risk Management Plan (DRMP), which is expected to run for five years from 2024 to 2029.
Speaking on Monday during a service committee meeting, Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga Humphrey Magalasi said Karonga is hit by disasters annually hence the development of the DRMP to improve preparedness.
“The DRMP outlines our plans to build dykes along the rivers that are flood prone and construct 12 evacuation centers in the district. Karonga has six Traditional Authorities (TA), therefore, two evacuation centers will be built per TA,” Magalasi said.
He also said that some people will be relocated, especially those who stay in flood prone locations.
“We will conduct land zoning where we will map out habitable areas where people can relocate to,” Magalasi explained.
He added that they will collaborate with their partners to advocate for the plan and sensitize the community to motivate adherence to measures endorsed.
In a seperate interview, Chairperson of Karonga District Council Development Committee, Gift Mwakiyelu said they will support the council in the advancement of the intervention plans to ensure compliance in communities.
"However, government should convince people to relocate from flood prone areas which is not an easy task considering the fact that most of them have lived there for a very long time," Mwakiyelu said.
“Government should consider providing materials such as iron sheets or cement for people to build new homes. This will inspire them to easily adopt the idea of relocation hence the government will also save the resources that would have been used to support them every year,” he added.
New Ireland envoy presents her credentials to President Chakwera
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe October, 22, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has received letters of credence from new ambassador of Ireland to Malawi, Kate Brady, during a ceremony that took place at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists after presenting her credentials, Brady said Ireland is committed in supporting Malawi’s development agenda particularly in the areas of food systems, transformation and national social protection.
She said, Malawi and Ireland share a very warm and strong relation for over a decade.
“We have been in social protection since 2013 and our focus has always been on innovation and building strong social protection systems and we will continue to do that both in the basket fund with the World Bank, but also through programs we have with UNICEF and several other partners,
“At the moment, we are doing research in relation to how social protection can support those who have been displaced by disaster, for example. And we are also looking at how climate finance can be used to support those most vulnerable,” Brady said.
She also expressed her passion for Malawi, noting her appreciation for Malawi culture and Chichewa language, which she attempted to speak during her discussions with President Chakwera.
In her remarks, Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba said the Irish diplomatic relations with Malawi were established in 2007 and that they are in various programs such as social protection, climate change and food systems.
“As you may be aware, the former Irish ambassador went back home, so Brady was the deputy ambassador to Malawi. She has now been promoted to be the new ambassador of Ireland to Malawi. the President commended her hard work and also commended the Irish government for observing continuity that should be there to avoid disruption of support and partnerships Malawi has been receiving from Ireland,” Zamba said.
