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.
