MANAonline
Mzimba farmers turn to climate-smart solutions for soil, water conservation
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, November 12, Mana: Subsistence farmers in Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba district have expressed prospects of better harvests in the 2024/2025 farming season due to climate-smart interventions they have adopted in their gardens.
The farmers say climate smart works under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) have turned their once barren lands into fertile ones.
Speaking Monday during a tour of Thundwe Catchment Area which falls under Kazomba Extension Area (EPA), Melinet Mseteka, from Mukomakuka Village said last year she managed to cultivate one acre where she applied climate-smart technologies.
“I managed to harvest substantial amount of maize. These climate-smart interventions helped me, unlike in the past when I could not harvest the 40 bags that I managed this time,” said Mseteka, who is also the treasurer for the catchment.
According to Agriculture Extension worker for Thundwe Catchment, Harvey Nyirongo, most farmers have benefitted from their participation in climate-smart interventions.
“We have model farms where we practise these climate-smart interventions and most farmers have also embraced them and introduced them in their farms. It would appear most of them have seen the importance of having them in their gardens as they tout them very much,” said Nyirongo.
CSEPWP in Thundwe Catchment is benefiting over 1,200 people who are enrolled on it.
Mseteka said before she was enrolled on the programme she used to grapple with a lack of nutrients as her farmland was barren due to soil erosion.
“But having enrolled on the programme, we have learnt how swale construction helps hold water thereby reducing the speed of water. This makes the water infiltrate and helps in moisture retention. I have also planted vetiver grass which has helped add nutrients and because of this I hope for the better in the 2024/2025 farming season,” she said.
According to Mzimba Senior Land Resource Officer and Desk Officer for the Enhanced Climate Smart programme, Olive Nyalira, most farmers in various catchments have come to embrace the programme after realising that natural ways of managing their farms are better off.
“This is why most have adopted the technologies in their farms. They know with the high cost of chemical fertiliser it's cheaper to adopt these climate-smart technologies in preserving their gardens,” she said.
Nyalira also said the programme is trying to manage some deep gullies that heavy rains in the past created which if left unchecked could lead to loss of farming land.
“Here at Thundwe we have one which the communities are managing. They planted trees around it and they have also dug swales to ensure it no longer continues widening and posing threat to the communities’’, said Nyalira.
CSEPWP is funded by the World Bank and other donors under the multi-donor trust fund.
Blue Eagles Sisters enjoying 100 percent winning record
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, November 12, Mana: Blue Eagles Sisters have maintained their 100 percent since the start of the Mpico Gateway Netball League when they silenced traditional rivals Civonets by 36 basks to 32 at Gateway Mall Netball court on Saturday in Lilongwe.
They have amassed 34 points after playing 17 games winning all netting 909 baskets against 372 while Civonets are trailing behind with 28 points from same number of games played.
Blue Eagles Sisters have secured the championship of the K 40 million Mpico Gateway Netball League as they lead the 10 team league and have created a six-point gap with their rivals, Civonets.
Civonets are second after netting 758 baskets against 533 and are six point short to dislodge leaders, Blue Eagles Sisters.
Young Eagles are ranked third with 25 points and have banged 780 baskets against 508 and chances of finishing on third position are still high.
Lioness are fourth with 22 points, Dyna Queens are fifth with 19 points. Boma are sixth with 13 points Vanessa are seventh with 12 points, Mafco soldiers are eighth with 11 points, Immigration are ninth with four points while Sharp Shooters are anchoring the log with two points.
However, Lioness have a chance to pull up their socks as they have only played 15 games and winning the remaining three games they can move to second or third position.
Three teams namely, Mafco, Immigration and Sharp Shooters are stuck in the mud of the relegation battle.
Mafco can survive if they can win their last game and taking into account that Vanessa lost their last game too.
“Blue Eagles Sisters have been very serious with their approaches to their games. The fighting spirit and the shooting accuracy was just superb,” a netball follower, Brenda Phiri said.
She noted that it was not surprised that they have maintained 100 percent winning record and Civonets fell short to offer them a challenge.
According to Chairperson of Central Region Netball Committee (CRNC), Fernando Magola, Vanessa had requested to shift their games and they would be played on Wednesday.
He said they would fulfill two fixtures.
MACRA impressed with Namwera ICT laboratory construction progress
By Bishop Witmos & Lyte Ali
Mangochi, November 12, Mana: Board Director for the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Fr. Francis Damaseke, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work of an ICT laboratory under construction at Namwera Catholic Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Traditional Authority (TA) Jalasi in Mangochi District.
The laboratory is being constructed under the authority’s Connect a School Project.
He made the remarks recently in Mangochi after inspecting the construction works in the company of Parliamentary Committees for Education and Media, Information and Communication.
Fr. Damaseke observed that the work was progressing well very, saying the structure proved strong and was being constructed with advanced equipment.
“So far the progress is good, the project is approximately at 80 to 90 percent complete, even though there are few challenges in terms of delays of supplies of necessary equipment to finish the project on time. As MACRA Board, we are going to make sure that delivery is done on time so that by December it should be ready for use,” he said.
He said Connect a School project was a significant step in promoting digital inclusion in rural Malawi, adding that provision of ICT laboratories will allow marginalized communities to acquire digital knowledge and connect them to skills trainings and employment opportunities.
“Connect a School Project is one of government’s commitment to achieving digital inclusion in Malawi by 2030, and we are moving towards the right direction to see that we are leaving no one behind " he said.
Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Education, Bester Awali, observed quality work despite delays in providing materials, which he said, was most likely to affect progress of the project.
He, therefore, appealed to MACRA to ensure the projects finish on time so that students should be allowed to access ICT services.
He said the world is advanced in digital technology such that it was important for children in Malawi to be very well equipped with digital knowledge and skills.
Awali said his committee will advocate for more resources into initiatives that promote digital inclusion in schools and rural areas to ensure wide utilization of digital technology.
Namwera CDSS Deputy Head Teacher, Benedicto Mujiwa, commended MACRA for the project, saying it will help advance computer literacy and improve on research.
“We have over 200 students at our school. As such, in this digital era, it is an achievement to have access to digital technology. We will own and embrace it and l am sure the community will also benefit from this,” he said.
The Connect a School Project, implemented by MACRA through Universal Service Fund, is set to construct 75 ICT laboratory centres in CDSSs across the country to promotes digital inclusion and equitable access, providing marginalized communities with digital tools, skills training and employment opportunities.
Voter registration exercise kicks off in Thyolo district
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, November 12, Mana: District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga, has commended the smooth commencement of phase two of the voter registration exercise in all centres across the district.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, Kuphanga, who is also chairperson for the District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST), expressed optimism about the turnout and the progress made so far.
“The turnout is impressive. I encourage everyone in Thyolo who is eligible to register in order to vote in the 2025 general elections,” said Kuphanga.
He assured the public that Thyolo District is prepared to manage the logistical demands of the exercise despite the current fuel challenges.
“We have secured 15,000 litres of diesel for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) vehicles, ensuring smooth operations. A total of 82 vehicles have been deployed to cover all registration centres,” he said.
However, he acknowledged delays in deploying National Identity Biometric Registration Machines (NIBRM), which are crucial for registering individuals without IDs.
According to Kuphanga, by Saturday, deployment stood at 30 percent but has now reached 70 percent.
“We are optimistic that soon, everyone without an ID will have the opportunity to register,” he said.
Visits to several voter registration centres revealed a positive response from the public.
At Thyolo Prison Voter Registration Centre, Supervisor Ellina Bwanali, reported that 94 people registered on Saturday and 174 on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, 30 individuals, including inmates, could not register due to the absence of NRB machines. However, we have reported the issue and are hopeful that it will be resolved soon,” said Bwanali.
Similarly, Mpinji Registration Centre Supervisor, Swedi Kalowa noted a strong turnout, with 174 people registering on the first day and 196 on the second.
Kenneth Kane, 23, from Ndalama Village under Traditional Authority (TA) Nchilamwera, who came to register at Mpinji, urged fellow youths to register in their large numbers.
“I have registered to exercise my right to vote and have a say in the democratic governance of this country. I encourage all youths who have reached voting age to register. By doing so, we can influence the future of this nation,” Kane said.
The second phase of the voter registration exercise, which began on November 9 will run until November 22. It is being conducted in 11 districts and two cities nationwide.
Salima DHO embarks on ITN distribution campaign
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, November 12, Mana: Salima District Health Office (DHO) has embarked on a mass distribution campaign of Insects Treated Nets (ITN) in an effort to fight Malaria.
The campaign, which is targeting over 147,000 households, is being implemented through the Presidential Malaria Initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Speaking Monday during the launch of the campaign, Salima District Environmental Health Officer, Reuben Chikadza, said the campaign will run for seven days covering all the Traditional Authorities with an aim of reducing malaria cases.
“Through the campaign, a household will receive a maximum of four nets depending on its size," he said.
Chikadza asked the beneficiaries to make good use of the nets, saying it will be a waste of resources to use them on some other unnecessary things.
"When we talk about dangerous diseases, Malaria is one of them. It is my plea to everyone, mostly chiefs, to make sure that their subjects utilize these mosquito nets properly,” he said.
Salima ITN mass distribution Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Maness Chingoli, said the campaign has started very well and hopes that by end of the distribution period all targets will be met.
"We expect to distribute the nets within our targeted number of days. I am sure that within this period everyone who got registered will receive their nets," She said.
One of the beneficiaries from Senior Chief Khombedza, Pilirani Kaliza, hailed the initiative saying it will help in malaria prevention.
Nkhotakota had a similar campaign last week and some districts in the southern region are yet to receive.
Millennium University conducts Youth Mental Festival
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, November 11, Mana: Millennium University over the weekend held a two-day Youth Mental Festival at the Blantyre Youth Centre with the aim of bringing the youth together to celebrate life, community, connection and bring positive change through good mental health.
Drug Fight Malawi Executive Directory, who was guest of honour at the event, Nelson Zakeyu, advised youth in the country to avoid using drugs and substances as one way of keeping their body health and fit.
“Nowadays, we have noted that many youths in the country especially those at university and in colleges are using drugs and marijuana. For this reason, many youths are falling into the trap of mental illness,” he said.
Zakeyu added that drug and substance abuse like marijuana leads to problems such as hypertension, lack of physical coordination and depression.
“In marijuana there is a substance called THC whereby once someone has smoked it the ingredients remain in the body for some time resulting in serious health problems,” he said.
He said marijuana is hazardous to the health of a person because it contains 50 to 70 percent or more cancer causing substances.
A mental health clinician from Zomba Mental Hospital, Harry Kawiya, said recent research on mental issues shows that out of 10 people four go to the hospital for fake disease but in real sense they are suffering from mental illness of which sometimes they don’t receive the necessary attention due to lack of resources.
“In the health sector, we have some problems that are making it difficult to deal with mental health issues. For example, we only have two hospitals that deal with mental health issues which are Zomba Mental Hospital and St. John of God both of which require support,” he said.
Senior Lecturer at Millennium University, Dr. Sandra Jumbe, who is also a health psychologist, was impressed with the turn out because a large number of youths attended the festival.
“This festival has shown us that even in darkness there is hope, we will keep shedding light on mental health issues, fostering empathy and celebrating the strength of our youth,” she said, pledging to make the festival an annual event.
The festival was characterized by different activities such as career development talk, music performance by Piksy, football and netball.
PAC impressed with Thyolo’s development efforts
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, November 11, Mana: Parliamentary Committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed admiration for infrastructure development projects taking shape in Thyolo District.
The committee led by its chairperson, Mark Botomani, visited Thyolo District Council on Monday to assess various ongoing projects under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF), among others.
Botomani said the GESD funded one-story primary school block under construction stands as a testament to the council’s ambitious efforts to transform the education sector.
“We are impressed with the development taking place here, especially the construction of this primary school.
“The council has demonstrated boldness in dedicating significant resources to this single transformative project which will not only elevate the education landscape but also enhance the district’s overall image,” said Botomani.
However, Botomani raised concerns about delays in project implementation, attributing them to contractors’ sluggish pace.
“Looking at the project timeline, the contractors are clearly behind schedule. This is something that requires urgent attention,” he added.
Botomani, however, acknowledged the funding constraints faced by councils across the country and pledged to engage relevant authorities.
“We understand that some of these programmes are donor-funded and we know they come with a red tape and procedural delays. As a committee, we will advocate for streamlined processes to ease these challenges,” he said.
District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga observed that funding flows from the central government have hindered timely project completion.
“Partial release of funds has disrupted our timelines and delayed payments to contractors. This stops projects mid-way, creating unnecessary setbacks,” he said. “We would have appreciated full disbursements to ensure seamless project execution.”
Salima district targets to plant 4 million trees under CSEPWP
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, November 11, Mana: Salima district is targeting to plant 4 million trees, which will be spread across all the 18 catchments under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP).
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, District Land Resource Conservation Officer who is also the Desk Officer for CSEPWP, Gift Majawa, said in the meantime participants are establishing tree nurseries after previously working on soil and water conservation interventions.
He said the tree nurseries are spread across in the catchments, and communities take charge watering and providing all necessary tree management interventions so that the trees are in good shape when transplanted to the fields.
“The goal is to establish tree seedlings that will be planted as the rains commences, so that we will recover forest cover and reduce water runoff in all the catchments,” said Majawa.
He said communities are encouraged to follow standard practice of tree seedling management to ensure optimum results, adding that key players especially supervisors underwent trainings on nursery establishment and management.
He said: "The good part of CSEPWP is that whatever interventions are being implemented in the communities, there was a training before taking the intervention was taken to the communities, what we want is to have sustainable and tangible assets that will stand the test of time."
Acting Director of Natural Resources and Environment, who is also Principal Forestry Officer for Salima District, Adam Jason, commended re-afforestation efforts being implemented by CSEPWP, saying the district had lost most of its vegetative cover.
"Forest landscape restorative approach is highly commendable, this project has an initiative where participants are restoring the vegetative cover by replanting and taking care of areas where there are natural regenerants," he said.
Jason said the efforts are complimenting the district’s plans, of increasing vegetative cover, adding that since its inception in 2022 the survival rate of the trees being planted under the project has been impressive.
"Since participants in this programme are paid, their approach to tree planting is more aggressive than in interventions where communities are tasked to plant trees without any incentive, the willingness is minimal," He said.
CSEPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP —Tidzidalire) supported by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
MCC advises residents in flood prone areas to relocate to higher grounds
By Namoni Chitukuta
Mzuzu, November 11, Mana: As rainy season approaches, Mzuzu City Council (MCC) through its disaster office has advised residents settling in flood prone areas to relocate to higher places.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, Acting Director of Engineering Services for MCC, Precious Mandala pleaded with households dwelling in informal and disaster prone areas to move to safer places.
“I would wish to advise and warn those households staying in disaster prone locations in Mzuzu to relocate to safe areas to avoid falling victims to natural disasters such as flash floods,” said Mandala,
The advice comes following a seasonal weather forecast of 2024/2025 rainy season released by the Department of Climate Change and meteorological Services (DCCMS).
The release indicates that this year, Malawi will receive more rainfall than expected. Last year, some parts of Mzuzu City including Zolozolo, Chibanja and Chibavi townships experienced floods and a number of households were affected.
Last year’s rainy season claimed four lives of members of same family in Masasa Township when a house which they were living in collapsed during the night due to a landslide.
Meanwhile, Project Officer for Mzuzu Malawi Red Cross Society, Georgina Jongwe said the organization is prepared to respond to natural disasters in the city.
“We have human capacity on the ground and non-food items including blankets. We are also disseminating early warning messages for them to prepare for proactive actions in case of disasters,” said Jongwe.
She also said that MRCS is working hand in hand with MCC and the DCCMS and it is ready to work with any interested partners on disaster related issues.
Mzuzu University promotes wellness of staff members through sports
By Anna Mkandawire
Mzuzu, November 11, Mana: Mzuzu University (Mzuni) has embarked on various sports disciplines to enhance mental and physical wellbeing for its staff members.
According to Vice Chancellor for Mzuni, Professor Wells Singini said the initiative demonstrates the university’s commitment in ensuring that it has health personnel for improved service delivery.
“Recently we held Mzuni Staff Sports Day and the theme ‘Active Together – Strengthening Bonds Through Sports’ and many members of staff participated in the interfaculty competitions of different games,” said Singini
Singini added the university will be having aerobics every Friday and sports day every month end and one way of enhancing coordination amongst staff members.
“Mzuni believes that it is only healthy staff member that can execute quality work, hence our commitment to this course,” said Singini.
Sports Coordinator for Mzuni, Felix Kaliwo said the initiative also aims at reviving the spirit of participating in sport amongst staff members.
“We were inspired by unwillingness of staff members to participate in Public Universities Sports Association of Malawi hence engaging them in sports so that the are always fit for competitions. said Kaliwo.
So far, the turn up of members of staff for the sporting activities is motivating and many are calling for sustainability of this initiative,” said Kaliwo.
One of the staff member at the university, Dr. Agness Hara said that she was pleased with the introduction of the initiative adding she was once diagnosed with hypertension and had challenges in walking uphill but I feel lighter and very fit since this the introduction of this initiative.
She then commended Mzuni Management for the development in promoting their health besides enhancing interaction among staff members and preventing stress among other health related issues.
Some of the sports disciplines which took place during the day included Football, Netball, Volleyball, Chess, Tug of war and Aerobics.
