MANAonline
Balaka launches Catchment Conservation and Management campaign
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, August 3, Mana: Balaka District Agriculture Executive Coordinating Committee (DAECC) has launched the Catchment Conservation and Management campaign aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt climate resilience and modern farming practices that would respond to persistent dry spells experienced in the district.
Speaking Friday at Chiyendausiku Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Nsamala, Chief Agriculture Extension Officer for Machinga Agriculture Development Division (ADD), Allan Kaliwo, said forest and land restoration practices are vital for improved agricultural yields.
Kaliwo was particularly happy because the event gave agricultural extension workers an opportunity to appreciate how farmers in TA Nsamala are adopting climate smart agriculture through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and cooperatives.
He added that it is a positive development to see that communities in the district were able to restore degraded forests and adopting Mbeya manure, matching and box ridges in order to conserve and retain moisture in their fields.
“This event has laid the foundation for communities, district councils and the nation to strengthen environmental conservation policies and encouraging farmers to continue using new methods of farming.
“Due to deforestation, every year Machinga ADD loses over 29 metric tonnes of fertile soil that is washed away into rivers,” Kaliwo said.
One of the members from Nsamala FFS, Linda Maganga, hailed the campaign saying it will encourage them advance modern agricultural practices they learn from FFS.
Maganga said, currently, the group owns an irrigation scheme courtesy of Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) climate smart agriculture.
Chairperson for Balaka District Council, Pharaoh Kambiri, said they will work together with various authorities to strengthen and promote forests and land conservation policies.
“The district council has by-laws that prohibit practices that destroy the environment such as wanton cutting down of trees and cultivating along the river banks. So, we will conduct community sensitization meetings so that people should be aware of the pieces of legislation,” he said.
Held under the theme ‘Integrated catchment conservation and management for enhanced climate resilience and improved livelihood,’ the event opened opportunity for council officials to appreciate various agricultural interventions being rolled out under Adaptation Fund Project and MWASIP.
Chief M’mbelwa V appeals for peaceful campaign ahead of general elections
By George Bulombola
Mzimba, August 3, Mana: Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V has appealed to politicians and the citizenry to ensure that there is peace and unity during campaign towards the 2025 general elections.
He was speaking Saturday at Hora Heritage Centre in Mzimba during Umthetho Cultural Ceremony and commemoration of the 10th anniversary of his throne.
He called upon everyone in the country to joyously safeguard peace which the nation is currently enjoying.
“I am afraid that we would, in future, regret to have lost this peace because of the manner some politicians and some members of the public conduct themselves during political campaign.
“Let me advise that the campaign should be issue based and noone should use provocative statements,” said Paramount M’mbelwa adding that he knows President Dr Lazarus Chakwera as a peace loving leader who promotes descent politics.
He commended President Chakwera for promoting co-existence of different tribes and cultures as evidenced by his presence at cultural ceremonies.
He said the President’s availability at such functions goes a long way in cementing working partnership with traditional leaders and government.
“It seems we are resuscitating our culture which we were about to lose a few years ago as young people used to embrace borrowed culture.
“The ceremony’s theme is blended to intertwine culture and climate change which has resulted into environmental degradation. We will do our best to civic educate people on the importance of conserving the environment,” he said.
The ceremony was held under the theme ‘Uniting Against Climate Change Under the Decade of His Majesty M’mbelwa V.
He linked culture to tourism saying culture can contribute to the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy hence called government to consider aligning culture to Ministry of Tourism.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, appealed to all stakeholders, including chiefs, to be in the forefront in promoting peace and unity for continued and sustainable development of the country.
President Chakwera graced the occasion. Other guests included Queen Masesi Nomzano Fortunate Nieny of South Africa, senior government officials and Ngoni chiefs from within the country and across the borders.
Thyolo Council Chairperson calls for concerted effort in educating a child
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, August 3, Mana: Thyolo District Council Chairperson, Petro Bowman, has called for concerted efforts to promote education and protection of all children in the district.
Bowman made the call Friday during commemoration of the Day of the African Child, urging every community member to contribute towards the cause.
“We must ensure that all children are sent to school to attain education without gender bias as well as disability,” said Bowman.
Bowman also called upon traditional and religious leaders, and all relevant stakeholders, to play a pivotal role in safeguarding children by protecting them from all forms of abuse that can negatively impact their well-being and education.
He emphasized that protecting children from abuse is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility, crucial for their development and future success.
“We call upon the justice system to give tough punishments to those abusing children in any way,” he said.
He, therefore, encouraged teachers to be innovative and supportive, creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment that caters for the diverse needs of all students.
Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources for Thyolo, Mirriam Yona, said the council is determined to ensure all children have access to quality education, a commitment reflected in various ongoing initiatives.
“One significant effort is the construction of classroom blocks across several schools in the district through the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project. This initiative aims at providing students with a conducive learning environment which is essential for their academic success.
“In addition to the GESD project, the Malawi Education Reform Program (MERP) is also playing a crucial role by funding construction of low-cost school blocks,” said Yona.
Yona said the combined efforts from both projects underscore the council's unwavering resolve to uplift the educational standards which is fundamental to the overall objective of ensuring that every child receives quality education; thereby, improving the educational outcomes across the district.
A learner at Folopensi Primary School, Alfred Mtameri, lamented the unavailability of special needs teachers in most schools; noting that such affects education of learners with disabilities.
Mtameri also bemoaned abuses that children experience at the hands of step parents due to the high levels of broken marriages in the area.
DC hails community's climate change counter measures
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 3, Mana: Dedza District Commissioner, Thomas Chigwenembe, has hailed communities under Traditional Authority (TA) Kasumbu in the district for conserving land and water to address hunger and other climate related challenges.
He made the remarks Friday during Dedza District Council Integrated Catchment Conservation and Management Campaign launch at Mpotola Village.
Chigwenembe was impressed with a 19 hectare pine tree woodlot of about 10,000 trees; a 4.5 hectare natural regeneration forest with soak pits; a 15 hectare river diversion irrigation scheme, swales construction, gully reclamation and other initiatives.
Most of the initiatives were pioneered by the communities and supported by MASAF-4 project about eight years ago.
“It is very encouraging to hear from the communities that these efforts have contributed to water retention. Despite drought in the past farming season, many say they have done well in their fields and are now continuing with irrigation farming,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the integrated catchment management launch will bring similar impact across the district.
Village Headman Mpotola said the interventions date back to 2015 following guidance from an extension worker from the area.
He said proceeds from the pine trees will be used to construct primary classroom blocks in the community to reduce the 5-kilometre distance learners walk to Kayenda in pursuit of their education.
TA Kasumbu said she would leave no stone unturned to ensure the interventions are sustained warning that she will continue taking to task anyone contravening by-laws including chief's directions.
Dedza District Land Resource Conservation Officer, Franklin Gomani, said various land reclamation and soil conservation interventions in the district are bearing positive fruits.
“Around 2014, Dedza was losing 29 metric tons of soil per hectare per year. We have not done any research recently but we have noticed a reduction in floods and fewer siltation, which means we have managed to reduce surface run-offs.
PRISAM signs MoU with Emmauel University
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, August 3, Mana: Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has entered into partnership with Emmanuel University to elevate standards of early childhood education in the country.
Under this collaboration the university will, among others, deliver training and capacity building initiatives for nursery school educators from PRISAM member institutions.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lilongwe on Friday PRISAM President, Ernest Kaonga, lauded the alliance as a significant stride towards enhancing quality of nursery education in Malawi.
Kaonga encouraged schools to enroll with PRISAM to afford their educators an opportunity to partake in the training programs.
"This agreement signifies a momentous achievement in our quest for excellence. We take pride in our affiliation with Emmanuel University and anticipate a fruitful partnership that will advantage our educators, students and the nation as a whole,” emphasized Kaonga.
Recently, PRISAM also forged a partnership with Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU) with an objective of enriching educational prospects and refining pedagogical practices.
Musa re-elected as Mchinji District Council Chairperson
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, August 2, Mana: Councillor Dorothy Musa of Namnjiwa Ward has been re-elected as Chairperson for Mchinji District Council in a decisive victory during the council elections held on Friday.
Musa, who served in the same role last term, secured 15 votes.
Also vying for the position were Msitu Councilor, Spesha Fungulani, who garnered a single vote, and Chimimbe Ward Councilor, Aaron Chidzanja, who received two votes.
In her acceptance speech, Councilor Musa expressed delight and gratitude for the trust placed in her by her colleagues.
"I am honoured to have been re-elected as chairperson. This means that people have trust in me and have seen fruits in me,” said Musa.
Musa described the elections as a manifestation of women's empowerment since her deputy is also a woman.
Mkoma Ward Councilor, Martha Dzanja, emerged victorious as vice chairperson, defeating Councillor Henry Banda of Liweredzi Ward with a vote count of 12 to six.
Commenting on the outcome of the elections, Executive Director of local women-focused organisation Women’s Hope for Change Organization, Hellen Makukula, said the polls signify people's trust in women in Mchinji.
“In the past Mchinji never had belief in women as leaders but now we have seen many women getting leadership positions which is a sign of gender equality,” said Makukula.
Malawi receives $11.2 million drought insurance payout
By Linda Moyo
Mzuzu, August 2, Mana: Malawi government has received a $11.2 million drought insurance pay-out from the African Risk Capacity (ARC).
Receiving the cheque, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera highlighted that the payout underscores the power of collaboration in addressing challenges posed by climate related disasters.
The effects of the disaster have severely impacted rural communities, particularly those reliant on farming.
"There is a pressing need to support people and strengthen food production in the country,” said Chakwera.
The President indicated that funds from the payout will be able to enhance food security, support livelihood initiatives for Malawians and also ensure that refugees and host committees are better equipped to withstand the adverse effects of drought.
ARC Board Chairperson, Maxwell Mkwezalamba, said the pay-out will cushion Malawi from El Niño effects which has affected 23 districts in the country.
"We want these funds to help Malawi build community resilience and help farmers increase food production,” he said.
Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, emphasised the importance of the payout, stating: "This funding will significantly aid in building community resilience and improving our response to disasters, mitigating the impact of natural events like El Niño which have left close to 5.2 million people food insecure in the country.”
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and the World Food Program (WFP) will be responsible for the implementation of initiatives of the funds.
Salima communities geared toward restoring the environment
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, August 2, Mana: Communities in Salima district have described environmental restorative efforts being implemented by the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSPWP) as life changing.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, a participant of the programme from the area of Senior Chief Kambalame, Hassan Phiri, said he has been in the programme for four cycles since 2022 and fruits of the work are now seen as most bare grounds are now covered by vegetation.
Phiri said for the past four cycles they have been focusing on swale construction, ridge realignment, stone bunds as well as natural tree regeneration to tackle climatic challenges such as soil erosion, low crop production and deforestation, among others.
"I have been in this area for the past 20 years and I can attest that I have seen different projects being implemented on environmental restoration but have not seen a project of this magnitude, with diverse interventions targeting different environmental issues," he said.
Another community member from the area of Senior Chief Kambwiri said, as a community, they have united to restore soil fertility in their area which has seen severe disasters in the past years due to runoff of water.
"Our crop production has dwindled, we have lost property due to floods, this has been a driving force for us to upscale interventions that are aimed at restoring our environment, we need to have our fertile soil back and enjoy bumper harvests. We are hoping that it is possible through the programme," he said.
Desk Officer for CSPWP in the district, who is also the Land Resource Officer, Gift Majawa, said Salima has made significant strides in implementing the programme because communities continue showing their commitment.
"We now have 18 catchments and it is pleasing to note that all the catchments are finalizing implementation of projects in good time. In all the projects, we have been successful in contouring, walleye construction, developing infiltration pits, tree planting, including manure making," he said.
Majawa said in most catchments, the work will upscale so that floods that affect the district may be prevented and provide immediate and long-term benefits to the community.
The public works initiative is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Ministry calls for commitment to promote breastfeeding
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, August 2, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi, has called on stakeholders to promote exclusive and optimal breastfeeding to babies until they are six months old before they start being given any supplementary food and water.
Daudi made the call on Thursday at Mwalala Community Ground in Salima, during the official launch of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week commemoration, which takes place from 1st to 7th August each year.
Daudi said it every person’s role to take part in promoting optimal breastfeeding for children to grow healthier citing that breast milk provides all the required nutrients to children for their growth and survival.
“When a child is born, it is supposed to be given breast milk within the first 30 minutes. The first yellow milk is important for growth of the child until the child is six months old without being given any food or water,” she said.
Daudi applauded the commitment men are showing in assisting breastfeeding women to practice optimal breastfeeding by assisting them with various tasks that would distract their schedule to breastfeeding.
“It is very exciting to see men taking part in these interventions; something we did not have before. We used to see women going to hospitals alone to receive guidance and training on breastfeeding, but men are also taking part now,” she said.
Chief of Nutrition for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Malawi, Dr Charity Zvandaziva, pointed out that different reasons are contributing to failure to achieve exclusive breastfeeding in both rural and urban areas.
She said breastfeeding should be supported and women facing challenges to breastfeed their babies should be given a conducive environment so that they can comfortably breastfeed their babies.
"Some parts of the country were hit by drought and these areas will be food insecure. Therefore, households with breastfeeding mothers should be supported with relief food," she said.
Member of Parliament for Salima Central, Gerald Kapiseni Phiri, underscored the important role that breastfeeding plays in the lives of babies, citing that development of the country relies on healthy citizens which starts with healthy babies.
Phiri has called upon duty bearers in the country to champion in policy making regarding breastfeeding and participation in order to uplift the welfare of babies on issues of breastfeeding.
The theme of this year’s breastfeeding week is “Closing the gap: breastfeeding support for all”
Gwengwe launches K57 million-market shade
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, August 2, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, who is also Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Msinja North, Sosten Gwengwe, has launched a K57 million market shade at Nathenje.
Speaking at Mwatibu Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Chadza on Thursday, Gwengwe said it is crucial to bring different developments and projects to people as it allows them appreciate what government is doing.
“We all know that President Chakwera has been advocating for rural development, so we decided to build this market shade to allow the community feel and appreciate such development.
“We thought that using Constituency Development Fund we can come up with a magnificent market in the constituency,” he said.
Gwengwe noted that the market shade is a huge upgrade from the old one, which is going to accommodate 56 business people and has a life span of 50 years bringing history to the people of Nathenje.
“This market is patronized by so many vendors but most of them stay outside and during rainy season it becomes difficult for them to do their business. So, replacing this shade with the old one will make it easier even during the rainy seasons,” he said.
Council chairperson for Lilongwe District, Dan Mtayamanja, said the new infrastructure emphasizes the importance of having people who are passionate about developing the country saying Malawi can only do better if people work together.
“I am happy to see that some of the legislators in our district are now doing big things in the communities, a market shade is a need in every community,” he said.
Chairperson for Nathenje Market, Idrissa Kalembo, thanked Gwengwe for the development saying the new infrastructure will accord businesspersons in the area to have a conducive environment.
“The opening of this new market shade is a welcome development as it represents not only a business space but also symbolizing growth and prosperity for our community,” he said.
