MANAonline
Malawi set to embrace groundnut industry
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, April 19, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has reiterated his ministry’s continued collaboration with the private sector to ensure Malawi boosts its chances of supplying consistent and reliable high-quality groundnuts globally.
He was speaking Thursday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during a groundnut tour.
The event serves as a cornerstone of Malawi's sustainable agricultural development and innovation strategy to achieve one million metric tons of groundnuts annually by 2030.
Kawale called for more financial support into Mega Farms which ensures Malawian farmers are accessing farming equipment and other farming technologies.
United States Chargé d'Affaires, Amy Diaz, commended Malawi Government for its commitment to support private sector businesses such as Pyxus Agriculture Malawi, to invest and expand into value chains like groundnuts that have significant market growth potential.
She, therefore, urged Government of Malawi to accelerate reforms that diversify the economy and spur responsible private investment.
"The U.S. government remains committed to partnering with the government and people of Malawi to attract transparent and responsible investment and increase jobs, income and exports.
“As an enduring partner, we will continue to support innovative approaches that harness the combined resources of public, private and community actors to improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and accelerate Malawi's development aspirations," she said.
Irish Ambassador to Malawi, Seamus O`Gradys, reiterated Malawi's groundnut industry potential in achieving one million metric tonnes of groundnut annually by 2030.
Epilepsy patients for adequate drugs
By Loness Gwazanga
Lilongwe, April 18, Mana: Epilepsy patients in the country have pleaded with government to ensure that necessary drugs are readily available in all health facilities to avoid compromising their wellbeing.
One of the patients, 21-year-old Olivia Melusi, made the call at Ntaja in Machinga District on Thursday during the commemoration of International Epilepsy Day.
She said scarcity of Epilepsy medication is the major challenge the patients are currently facing.
Melusi, a Form Four student, said the situation makes her have regular seizures which affects her education.
"Sometimes we default treatment for months as we are mostly told that the drugs are not available in our nearest health facilities. This has a negative impact on my academic journey to becoming a journalist,” explained Melusi.
Ministry of Health Chief of Health Services (Technical), Dr Lilian Chunda, acknowledged the problem and assured of government's commitment in managing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Epilepsy inclusive, to ensure universal health coverage.
"While we still have some Epilepsy drugs in most of the health facilities; we acknowledge the problem. In the past we used to focus on infectious diseases only while neglecting some diseases like Epilepsy.
"A strategic plan is already in place to make sure that neglected diseases are also given the much needed attention because untreated Epilepsy is a life-threatening disorder,” said Chunda.
Epilepsy Association Chairperson, James Tebulo, stressed that government alone cannot manage to satisfy patient needs hence the need for collaboration.
He assured of continued networking with both local and international organizations for convenient access to quality health care.
Epilepsy, which affects people of all ages, is a condition characterised by recurrent seizures. It is ranked among top five causes of global neurological disability.
Globally, 125,000 estimated deaths per year are related to the condition.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), 25 percent of Epilepsy cases are preventable with certain criteria such as preventing head injury, taking adequate perinatal care and avoiding drug use among others.
This year's commemoration was held under the theme Milestones on my Epilepsy journey.
68% of Malawians have access to internet - survey
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, April 18, Mana: The national survey report on access and use of information and communication technologies by households and individuals in Malawi for 2023 has revealed that 68 percent of the people in the country have access to internet through the use of mobile phones and computers.
The revelation was made on Thursday in Lilongwe during the launch of the survey report which was organized by Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and National Statistical Office (NSO).
Speaking after launching the survey report, MACRA Director of Economic Regulations, Andrew Nyirenda, said that the percentage of the internet users indicated in the survey report portrays that people in the country are now aware about the benefits of internet.
“According to the data presented on the report of the survey, it shows that a lot of people are now using internet and this means that people are now aware that they can find more information on internet, as well as doing other activities such as businesses and school,” Nyirenda said.
However, he said that through the information presented in the survey report MACRA will lobby government to develop policies that would assist to encourage more people in the country to start using internet.
“We will make sure that the information gathered through the survey should help us to develop policies that would help to attract more people to start using internet services.
“In other countries, 100 percent of the population uses internet, but we are on 68 percent which means we still have a lot of work which we need to do,” he said.
He further expressed optimism that the recent launched survey report would help them as MACRA to come up with the way forward that would help to enhance internet usage among individuals in the country.
Also speaking during the launch of the survey report, NSO Commissioner of Statistics, Shelton Kanyanda, said that the results of the survey they conducted with MACRA would also help MACRA to improve internet connectivity as well reducing the cost of other ICT services in the country.
“This is very important for our colleagues in the regulatory body as you can see the data is collected up to district level, so what we are assuming is that the findings of the survey should be able to improve internet accessibility in different areas where there are challenges.
“They should also be able to reduce prices of other Information and Technology (IT) services the cost shows that it is high; it is very important for our colleagues at MACRA to be able to make adjustments by negotiating with service providers,” Kanyanda explained.
He also said that as NSO they are willing and open to support MACRA in conducting research that would promote the use of internet and IT related services among the people across the country.
Solar energy key to sustainable development
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, April 18, Mana: Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has urged the public to adopt the use of solar energy as one way of generating electricity for agricultural production.
Speaking during the launch of “Putting Energy to Work” which was held on Thursday at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe, Matola said for Malawi to develop there is need to have new strategies in the energy sector.
“We want to achieve the Agricultural, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategies of which energy is the enabler for all these sectors to be implemented.
“With the use of solar energy we will be able to pump in water which will be used for agriculture; this means that people can be harvesting more than 2 times a year,” said Matola.
He said there is need to review some energy policies in order to move with new technologies for them to have opportunities in the energy sector.
“Indeed at our Ministry we need technical support; as such, we need to look into some acts which are in the policy for us to achieve the intended goals,” he said.
In her remarks, Coordinator for United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in Malawi, Iris Kissiti, hailed the country for launching “Putting Energy to Work” project, saying it will greatly contribute to the agricultural sector, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
“As we know energy is a driver to economic development, so if we have productive use of energy, it means the agricultural production will be high in the country because the solar energy will generate a lot of water to use for irrigation, which will help in the economic growth,” said Kissiti.
Germany Ambassador to Malawi Ute Konig thanked the Malawi government and all donor partners for launching such a huge project, saying that solar energy will increase in the production for agribusinesses in the country.
The project is funded by German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) together with European Union (EU).
9,000 farming families are among Sustainable Agriculture Project beneficiaries
By Robert Katuli
Lilongwe, April 18, Mana: Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) Chief Executive Officer, Jacob Nyirongo has hailed the Sustainable Agriculture Project for supporting smallholder farmers.
He disclosed that 9,000 farming families in Lilongwe alone are among those benefitting from the project.
Nyirongo was speaking on Wednesday when FUM - an implementing partner in the project - accompanied a delegation from We Effect, a Swedish International Development Organization that is coordinating the project, on a tour to Demera Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Lilongwe to appreciate the project's interventions.
He said the project was focusing on building the capacity of Cooperatives by, among others, supporting them with technologies that could build resilience in the face of climate change so that farmers could still get high crop yields in such conditions.
“The Project is helping farmers to combat, among others, food insecurity and malnutrition, as we're training them on things like how they can make manure and how to apply it in their fields.
“Our emphasis is on equipping people to be able to use local materials to sustain farming in the face of increase in price of fertilizer,” Nyirongo explained.
We Effect Secretary General, Anna Tibblin said it was encouraging to see how the local people have taken the initiatives to develop their agriculture in a climate smart way to counter all the challenges facing them.
“These are farmers who see farming as a business. I am impressed with the level of organization, commitment and creativity of the members in these Cooperatives.
“We have seen strong women; we have seen youths that are taking the lead; we have seen a lot of energy, and we have seen well organized infrastructure. These people have the capacity,” Tibblin said.
Central Region Milk Producers Association (CREMPA) Manager, Andrew Chimalizeni, who, together with his team, showcased during the tour what they have done under the Malawi Dairy Value Chain Project, commended We Effect for supporting various projects since 2021.
He said that their focus as farmers was to make sustainable investments that would benefit the farmers beyond the project cycle.
Apart from Lilongwe West, the Sustainable Agriculture Project is being implemented in Ntchisi, Mzimba South and Thyolo, directly targeting 8,750 farmers and other 16,250 farmers indirectly.
The Project is part of a K6 billion Sustainable Partnerships for the Right to Food in Malawi (SP4RFM), a five-year (2023 to 2027) programme for We Effect Malawi under the Sida CIVSAM, which is the Civil Society Unit of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
DIOs trained in radio reporting
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, April 18, Mana: District Information Officers (DIOs) on Thursday completed a three-day training workshop aimed at equipping them with skills on reporting news for radio.
The workshop, which was organized by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) and the Ministry of Information, took place at Mponela in Dowa District.
Managing Editor for Malawi News Agency (MANA), Wallace Chipeta, said the training has been of great importance as it will enable DIOs produce content for broadcast on Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) radios.
“This is a huge milestone for us as a department because it means more outlets for our content and a wider outreach too.
“The task now remains on us to produce more content which will meet this huge demand. I, therefore, urge you to continue working hard in telling stories that support government development agenda and brings impact to communities,” he said.
Chipeta, therefore, asked for more training opportunities for the officers to further sharpen their skills.
He said DIOs still face challenges such as lack of resources like professional cameras, computers and mobility to access locations where development activities are taking place.
“This could be a thing of the past once district offices are devolved as this would open opportunities for more and direct assistance,” he said.
NLGFC Knowledge Management and Communications Specialist, Hamilton Chimala, said as an institution that oversees council activities, they value DIOs work.
“Your work unearths stories of development, social economic transformation of the people and enhances transparency and accountability at council level. That is why we thought of conducting this training to enable you widen reporting skills and create more outlets.
“We believe there can be even more support once devolution is effected,” he said.
MBC Director of News and Programs, Zilani Khonje, emphasized on the need for collaboration among public service providers.
She said her institution will plan for other trainings at regional level but urged DIOs to work hard in telling impactful stories.
DIO for Kasungu, Wanangwa Tembo, was pleased with the new arrangement.
“It is coming at a right time when we have been complaining that some of our efforts and works are wasted in the districts.
“This new arrangement means our work is being recognized and we will have more outlets for our content. I urge my fellow DIOs to work hard so that we show that we can deliver,” he said.
Justice Chikopa sworn in as Deputy Chief Justice
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, April 18, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has described the appointment of Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa as a remarkable step towards strengthening the judicial system in the country.
Chakwera said this on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Chief Justice at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
He said the position of the Deputy Chief Justice should be forever a fortress and a shield for Malawi in the defence and advancement of justice, adding that the office bearer’s work never ceases to be a threat to all enemies of Malawi’s peace.
“Today is a great day because we see the rise of Justice Lovemore Chikopa to the office of Deputy Chief Justice, becoming the first person in the history of Malawi to hold this position, newly established in the Constitution Amendment Bill that I signed into law three years ago.
“I must thank the judiciary, under the enlightened guide of the Chief Justice Mzikamanda, for successfully completing the functional review that resulted in Justice Chikopa’s approval for this appointment,” Chakwera said.
He described Justice Chikopa as a patriotic person with integrity and capability to hold the position.
Chakwera therefore called upon all Malawians to support Justice Chikopa and to accord his office with all submission.
Speaking in an interview with the media after the swearing-in ceremony, Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo said the appointment of Deputy Chief Justice will ease the workload of the office of Chief Justice.
“The office of the Chief Justice is a very busy office, so having the office of the deputy now means some of the work of the Chief Justice will be delegated to his deputy. We will be now looking forward to a better dispensation of judicial services and justice,” Mvalo said.
Justice Lovemore Paul Chikopa, born on 9th August 1965, joined the judiciary in 1998 as Principal Resident Magistrate where he rose to the rank of Chief Resident Magistrate.
He was later appointed as a judge of the High Court in 2000 and as a Justice of Appeal in 2012.
Mulanje Cooperative inspired by Mchinji Oil Producers
By Amos Chigwa
Mchinji, April 18, Mana: Chairperson for Tilipo Group Oil Corporation from Mulanje district, James Kaipa has said that his team has been inspired by Mchinji based cooking oil producers.
He made the remarks on Thursday during a learning tour where among other things they appreciated what their fellow farmers are doing in Mchinji District.
"Our cooperative has managed to buy cooking oil producing machine and soon we are going to start producing cooking oil in Mulanje district, this is why we thought it wise to come and learn from our friends who are doing better in similar business in Mchinji district,” Kaipa said.
He said that their trip has been beneficial as they have learned a lot of skills which would help to sustain their business and promised to put everything they have learnt into practice.
Managing Director of Zulu Cooking Oil Producers, Chikondi Chingole hailed Mulanje based cooperative for their trip to learn from them the vital skills in the business of cooking oil production.
"Tilipo Cooperative thought it wise to come and learn from us before they start producing their own cooking oil because there are a lot of technical skills that are involved in cooking oil production if you are to benefit from it, among other things they have learned how to operate the machine, taking care of it and how they can meet the best standards for them to be making more profits,” he said.
The trip was made possible by the Mulanje Trade Office.
Besides the oil producing centres, this group visited Mushroom production farmers where among other things they learned how they can produce Mushrooms.
DoDMA distributes relief items to flood survivors
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, April 18, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) through Salima District Council has distributed relief items to 324 affected households in an effort to ease some of the challenges people affected by floods.
The floods are as a result of heavy rains that have affected lakeshore districts, according to an assessment in Salima District, the floods have left 187 households displaced, some houses and water points damaged in the area of Traditional Authorities (TAs) Ndindi and Kuluunda.
Speaking during the distribution in the area of TA Kuluunda, Salima District Council’s Disaster Risk Management Officer, Gloria Chinangwa said that the relief items are to help the affected households move forward with their livelihoods while they are waiting for proper settlement and rebuilding their livelihoods.
She said that, "It is our belief that these items will help out uplifting the livelihoods of the affected people and it is our assurance that we will continue providing all the necessary support to make sure that all the affected people equally recover."
Chinangwa pleaded for different stake holders’ intervention to help the households recover as government alone cannot manage looking at the continued increase of number of households being affected.
"It is my plea to other stakeholders out there that they should come and help in supporting these people as most of them their properties have been damaged and they have nothing to depend on, so their timely interventions will help in making a difference," she said.
Councilor for Maganga, Kuluunda Asiyatu Chakwera hailed Salima District Council for its rapid response in helping the affected people and said that the relief would go a long way alleviating some of the challenges the affected people are currently facing.
"This is a very good gesture as now the lives of the affected households will at least continue moving forward, so it will be very important if some other organizations will come in and help these people out," she said.
Chakwera asked the affected people to move to upland and safe areas as water levels are still rising in the lake and warned against selling of the relief items.
One of the affected, Agness James said the items would greatly help them and added that plans of relocating to upland areas are already in the pipeline as their current location was at risk.
Kawanga Village Disaster Risk Management Committee (VDRMC) Chairperson, Amina James highlighted that they are making sure that all affected households are safe and that they receive the required support.
NGO applauded for bridging energy gap
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, April 18, Mana: Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola Wednesday applauded Energy Access through Social Enterprise (EASE) project for bridging energy gap in the country.
He said this in Balaka during Balaka and Dedza District Energy Officers learning event which attracted various officers from the two councils.
Matola said that, “As government, we appreciate the project and encouraging different stakeholders to work together in order to support every community in the country to access electricity.”
The Minister called upon all actors in energy sector to coordinate and partner describing them as important in the country.
“One African proverb says ‘If you want to go faster go alone, but if you want to go further, move with others, that is the whole essence why partnership is very important,” he added.
An official from University of Strathclyde in Scotland, Danien Frame described EASE Project as crucial and appreciated level of engagement from the government, Ministry of Energy, District Energy officers and Community Energy Malawi for making sure that communities are able to access electricity renewable energy through cook stoves and Solar energy.
“To see the level of engagement from both government and all players including the community is encouraging, as communities have embraced the use of the potable solar products, renewable energy and many more,” he said.
Founder and Country Director for Community Energy Malawi, Edgar Bayani said through the EASE project they have been able to demonstrate the role of renewables in meeting energy needs of the communities.
“Within this angle, we managed to develop a solar energy hub at Njobvuyalema Village in Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Chakanza specifically to power cold storage as well as irrigation farming among the communities,” he pointed out.
According to Njobvuyalema, since the installation of the energy hub, there has been an increase of people accessing clean electricity in both Balaka and Dedza districts and about 12 households, business places and learners are easily accessing the electricity.
The EASE project which is being done in Balaka and Dedza districts started in 2019 with the vision of Affordable and Sustainable Energy for Malawian communities and is being implemented by Community Energy Malawi in partnership with the University of Strathclyde Engineering, Self Help Africa and WASHTED with support from the Scottish Government.
