By Lisa Lamya

Blantyre, July 12, Mana: Environmental activist, Matthews Malata says mindset change remains key if Malawi is to thrive in the switch to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) campaign.

Malata made the sentiment with the background of some business owners still resorting to using charcoal as opposed to gas.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Malata said there are different perceptions that people have towards gas but the benefits of using it outweigh the dangers.

“We need more awareness on gas so that people have the right information because most of the reasons being advanced are that gas is expensive and that it is dangerous so there is still a lot of work to be done,” he said.

He said a recent survey by the Ministry of Energy has found that only 0.3% of Malawians use gas while only 1.7% using electricity.

“Looking at the practical issues on the ground, we need to ensure that cylinders are available, affordable and of good quality so that people can be motivated to buy. On the other hand, we are aware that the Ministry of Energy is in talks with Tanzania and Mozambique so that they can supply gas to Malawi. I believe this will address the pricing concerns being raised,” Malata said.

However, Mana engaged some of the women plying restaurant businesses in Blantyre to find out why they do not use gas, whereby some cited lack of awareness and some pricing as major setbacks.

Thokozani Sapangwa said she has never used gas before and would not consider doing so because she feels it is expensive and unprofitable for her business.

“I have heard that gas is expensive and for a business like mine, I doubt if I will be able to get a return on investment. For instance, when I cook nsima I leave it on the charcoal burner until lunch hour so that it stays warm, I do not think I can do the same with gas,” she said.

Emily Wilson, another restaurant business lady said she does not even know that gas exists since all her life she has cooked on firewood and charcoal burner but if given a chance, she would want to learn more about gas.

“I have never used gas before and I am not sure how it works but if the information is available it would be good to know what gas is all about, where we can access it and how we can use it, that would be helpful,” Wilson said.

Some gas users have, however, indicated that gas is efficient and reliable and those that are not using gas are missing out.

“I have been using gas for six years now and I must admit it is fast and reliable. I have a 6 kgs cylinder that sustains me for at least 3 months so it is quite fair,” one of the gas users Mervis Makwinja said.

The current price for Liquefied Petroleum Gas is K3, 245.00 which may not be affordable for the average Malawian.

Reacting to the concerns, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager, Fitina Khonje said the pricing is influenced by global factors and exchange rate and all other costs along the supply chain.

Khonje said the issue of sensitization is not MERA’s responsibility alone, acknowledging the work that the Ministry of Energy, Natural Resources, LPG importers and non-governmental organizations are doing to promote the use of alternative sources of energy.

“There are currently 114 outlets from less than 30 selling points that were there in 2021 with some more applications being assessed and if more entrepreneurs join the LPG sector it will help ease access,” Khonje pointed out.

By Isabel K Banda

Lilongwe, July, 12, Mana: A 22-year-old innovator George Kalichero who continues to amaze Malawians with his wonderful innovations by bringing his ideas into reality, is currently working on a planting Hoe which will speed up the planting process for farmers.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency, on Friday, Kalichero said the planting hoe will help farmers by reducing the time that they spend when planting their seeds.

“This hoe is different from the local ones because it has a bottle attached to store seeds and the handle has a button which releases the seed into the planting holes, hence reducing the time the farmer spends when planting with the traditional hoe,” he said.  

According to Kalichero, the new innovation will take him about a month to be finalized and be made available for use.

He also revealed that the planting hoe is one among some of his innovations that he has invented since he started in 2017.

“My first innovation was done in 2020 and it was a windmill which generates electricity and powers my grandmother’s house and 10 of her neighbors in Mulanje, but most people know much about the electric bike which I invented during the fuel crisis period in 2023,” he said.

Kalichero says he gets his inspiration from William Kamkwamba among other local innovators as well as some of the international innovators that are shown on television.

He however, lamented the lack of resources, financial support and mockery that he constantly faces in his innovation journey and urged government and different stakeholders to support and promote innovators for meaningful development.

Recently, Research Manager for National Planning Commission, Dr. Andrew Jamali said there is hope for the innovation sector in Malawi as more youths are emerging with solution-based innovations in the country.

He said: “It is very exciting as you know Malawi vision 2063 is centered on the youths and we just launched the vision about 3 years ago and already we see young people running with the vision by identifying problems and making innovations like these hence this brings hope to the country.”

Kalichero’s brilliance hit the headlines on social media in the past years and drew attention of many in the country. In 2021 he was among innovators that were selected at the Institute of Industrial Research and Innovations at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).

By Tawonga Moyo

Mzuzu, July 12, Mana: Great Hope Foundation, an organization which is campaigning for the endorsement of Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, has urged city councils to endorse their campaign, which seeks to persuade people to transition from the use of fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Director for the Foundation, Steve Chinsendenji made the call on Thursday in Mzuzu when the organization briefed Mzuzu City Council on their campaign and ask for an endorsement.

The Treaty, which has the endorsement of 191 member states, is a diplomatic and civil society campaign which aims to stop fossil fuel exploration and expansion and phase-out existing production in line with the targets of the Paris, France Climate Agreement of 2015.

Chinsendenji said the use of fossil fuel products such as thin plastics has contributed to adverse effects of climate change which come as a result of factors such as land and air pollution.

"Sometimes, people do things due to lack of knowledge on how their actions can negatively impact the environment; hence we want to raise awareness first and one way is through engaging city councils and other stakeholders for them to help us in our quest.

As a country, we have witnessed natural disasters which occurred due to adverse effects of climate change and we hope that by the end of our campaign, government establishes measures that combat the causes such as the use of thin plastics," Chinsendenji said.

He said the organization will soon take the campaign to districts like Karonga where mining activities take place to get the message across to the masses, for them to desist from actions that pollute the environment, hence leading to climate change.

In his presentation, environmental activist and Director of Green Homes Initiative, Maloto Chinkombero encouraged continual debate on the issue of thin plastics, saying doing so can eventually lead to lasting solutions.

"As African countries, our aid mostly comes from those Western countries whose economy depends on fossil fuels, so it's hard for us to put pressure on them to stop producing the fuels.

It's an issue that is debatable, hence it's important for us to keep on talking about it so that our concerns get heard and one such way, is by boycotting buying plastic products from companies that are taking a restraining orders against government's proposed ban on plastics," he said.

He said it's worrisome that the country is struggling to put an end to the use of thin plastics which destroy the environment and contribute to health problems, saying mindset change was crucial in addressing the matter.

In his remarks, Mayor for Mzuzu City Council, Kondwani Nyasulu applauded the organization for the move, and pledged to get the message across to people on the importance of minimal use of plastics for a safer environment.

Comenting on the matter, Assistant Director of Parks, Leisure and Environment for Mzuzu City Council, Gerald Mchacha described the meeting as important, saying in as much as plastics are produced by developed countries, campaigns can go a long way in making a difference.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty was adopted in 2015 in France at the United Nations' framework convention on climate change.

Some of the countries which agreed and joined the treaty include United States of America, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea.

By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: Andrew Msope, 35, from Chimbalanga village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kadewere in Chiradzulu district, thought of investing capital he earned from his salary into livestock farming such as raising rabbits, ducks and pigs after facing a lot of challenges for several years.

Married with two children, Msope struggled to meet the demands of his family’s basic needs, despite being employed as an Accountant at Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET),

He realized that salary was too little for him to buy what his family needed, and to pay school fees for his children.

“Starting pig farming was a means of increasing income. So when I recognized that salary alone was not enough to pay school fees and to meet other needs, pig farming became a side hustle to increase my income,” he explained.

As Msope invested more capital in piggery, he observed that the venture was a game changer and profitable as one pig could produce more than 10 piglets.

Since he started pig farming business in 2019, Msope has got a lot to show for his lucrative business: he managed to buy 3 cars, a motorbike, and he built shops in various places within Lilongwe city.

He also built a house; and opened a big farm which is known as Msope Farm Stead.

From the pig farming, Msope has also employed 10 permanent workers and hires other causal workers to work in his fields where he grows maize, cabbage, and soya bean within Lilongwe district.

The accountant-cum-farmer disclosed that the farming has also seen him build a good relationship with buyers, and identify good markets.

“We sell piglets to upcoming farmers and organizations and also do value addition. We sell pork to hotels, Chinese and Nigerian restaurants” Msope said.

Despite the strides taken in the piggery, Msope targets to raise 1000 pigs at different stages and increase capacity to meet the demand by customers.

Jimmy Simfukwe, an employee of Msope Farmstead who is the Marketing Officer, lauds the job opportunity, which has seen him improve the livelihood of his family.

Simfukwe recalls to have struggled to get employment since he completed his studies at Mzuzu University in 2022.

The job opportunity has not only brought solutions to Simfukwe's economic needs, it has also equipped him with exceptional skills.

“I have learnt marketing skills, and how to design good pig kraals for improved yield, " he explains, adding: "I have also learnt veterinary services from veterinary officers who attend to the pigs’ medical needs."

Msope’s venture is in line with governments effort in promoting animal husbandry in the country through various interventions.

Director for Animal Health and Livestock Development Dr. Julius Chiwanga Chulu said in a questionnaire that besides conducting regular farmer trainings, government has livestock multiplication Centre’s as one way for improving livestock husbandry including pigs.

“Government has livestock and multiplication Centre’s where farmers can buy breeding stock including pigs at an affordable price. The livestock and multiplication Centre’s also act as demonstration Centre’s where farmers can learn good animal husbandry practices,” Chulu said.

He also disclosed that government is reviewing legislation to take on board emerging and re-emerging issues.

According to the Director, government has organized numerous investment programs which have, and will continue to support livestock development, including piggery.

“Agriculture Commercialization Project (AGCOM 1) provides matching grants to Producer Organization to venture into various enterprises, including piggery,” he said.

“Sustainable Agriculture Production Project (SAPP 1) through the Village Challenge Fund (VCF), SAPP1 also provided grants to farmers for them to venture into various enterprises including piggery, and we have a number of programs to improve the same,” he said.

Chulu recommended pig farming as being more profitable and urged people to venture into the business, or to seek loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) for those who cannot afford on their own.

Agriculture expert, Tamani Nkhono Mvula, hailed government for coming up with good livestock policies but it to put urged it to put much effort in supporting pig farmers.

Mvula said: “What we may need is capital investment that one may put in to start the program and once the program starts, its highly profitable business that is able to sustain itself in the long run.

“There has to be more effort from the policy makers to support pig production including giving them information on the enterprise.

According to National Livestock Development Policy for 2021-2026, by 2026 the country’s contribution of livestock sector to overall agricultural production will increase by 50 percent through effective animal production, health and value chains interventions.

The policy also indicates that the government targets to increase the value of livestock exports by 10 percent, and increase by 60 percent the number of new livestock technologies.

It also discloses that the growing demand for livestock and livestock products on both the domestic and export markets can best be met if strategies that achieve growth in numbers and productivity are implemented.

By George Mponda

Karonga, July 12, Mana: Minister of Gender Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has asked the Ministry of Lands to fast track the construction of houses for persons with albinism by cutting out some processes that are causing delays.

The Minister said this, Thursday at Kwiyala Village, in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga where she together with the Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba were handing over a house which government has constructed for a family which has children with albinism.

"These houses are supposed to be constructed in all districts in Malawi and as we speak, 67 have been completed. However, there are alot of persons with albinism who need these houses so there is need to expedite the construction process by cutting out some of the procurement processes which are slowing down the work," Sendeza said.

On his part, Minister of Lands Deus Gumba said government is committed to ensuring that persons with albinism are protected.

"Although we were facing problems at the beginning of this project, we have sorted those out and in this year’s national budget, K600 million has been allocated which will be used to construct 15 houses for people with albinism," Gumba said.

He reiterated governments commitment towards protecting persons with albinism.

"Years ago, our collegueas were being hunted for their body parts and some of them could not even find the body lotion which they use. But the adminstration of Lazarus Chakwera has ensured that persons with albinism are protected and enjoying the same rights as other citizens in Malawi," Gumba said.

President for the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), Young Muhamba described the house which has been constructed at Kwiyala Village in Karonga as the best under the project.

"We have handed over several houses under this project but this one has been well constructed and I would like to encourage other builders to emulate this design and come up with safe, beautiful houses," Muhamba said.

Muhamba called on local authorities in districts to include persons with albinism in various social protection programs like the social cash transfer for them to be self sufficient.

He also asked for a review the national action plan on the protection of persons with albinism to ensure that gaps which exist are rectified.

By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe, July 12, Mana: Chiefs in Kasungu have vowed to use civic education as a measure against poaching of elephants in protected forest and game reserves.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Senior Chief Lukwa of Kasungu said chiefs are on the ground to sensitize communities to take full ownership of the reserves and protect the wild animals and natural resources.

“As Chiefs in Kasungu, we thought to join the fight against such practices. Currently, we are carrying out civic education in the surrounding communities including traditional leaders to ensure they take full control of protecting the wildlife.

“In this fight, we are working jointly with National Parks and community committees to discourage the malpractice,” he said.

Lukwa said they are also distributing goats to communities, to ensure they start businesses as one way of preventing them from poaching.

Concurring with Lukwa, Traditional Authority Chisinga urged the communities surrounding Kasungu National Park to prevent poaching, saying the act endangers their lives as they can be gun-shot by rangers.

“People should avoid entering parks for poaching because they may end up losing their lives,” said Chisinga.  

He also urged communities to prioritize the significance of having elephants and other wildl animals in the country since they attract tourists who contribute to the country`s economy.

Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Tourism, Joseph Nkosi said the government is employing several measures to counter poaching in the country.

“Government is relentlessly working hard to stop the act of elephant poaching. It is employing more rangers, strengthening laws, improving infrastructure and also embarking on community and public awareness.

According to Nkosi, prior to 2014 elephant poaching was high but the problem has decreased, observing that from January 2023 to date, only two elephants have been killed by poachers and none poached in Majete Game Reserve for 19 years.