MANAonline
Norwegian organisation to disburse cash to Karonga flood victims
By George Mponda
Karonga, April 5, Mana: Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurch Aid (NCA-DCA) has said it will provide cash to over 500 households which were affected by floods in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga.
The floods which followed heavy rains on 23 and 24 February, affected nearly 911 households, including 516 displaced into camps.
Speaking during a Disaster Risk Management Committee meeting in the district on Friday, Senior Humanitarian Officer for NCA, Augustine Tonde said after the disaster, NCA-DCA provided vehicles for logistical support as well as blankets and buckets to 161 affected households.
"This time, we want to reach over 500 households with cash amounts of K90,000 per household in Group Village Heads, Kalambo, Mwenechilanga, Mwandwanga, Mweneyumba, Mwahimba and Zindi. The process of cash distribution will be handled by a third party possibly NBS bank," Tonde added.
According to Tonde, the organization has budgeted K70 million for the humanitarian response and will first embark on a door to door verification exercise, in coordination with Karonga District Council, before actual disbursement of the cash which is expected to be completed within two weeks.
Reacting to the development, Disaster Risk Management Officer (DRMO) for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi hailed NCA-DCA for stepping in to bail out the flood victims who have since left the decommissioned camps back to their homes.
"Indeed, the flood victims have so many needs and this money will go a long way in helping them get back on their feet. However, I would advise the beneficiaries not to be forced to share the money because doing that is against the Disaster Risk Management Act and it reduces the impact of the intervention," said Magalasi.
During the meeting, Magalasi also reported that 833 households have been affected by flooding which occured from 29-31 March in the areas of Senior Chief Kilipula and Senior Chief Mwakaboko, adding that 130 of the households have been forced into camps.
FAWEMA drills Nkhata Bay youths in advocacy
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, April 5, Mana: Board Chairperson for Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA), Dr. Maggie Madimbo has urged youths in Nkhata Bay to be agents of change and take an active role in improving the education sector.
Madimbo said this in an interview on Friday after a day-long training in Education Management Information Systems which attracted youths from all Traditional Authorities in the district.
She said the aim of the training was to equip the youths with knowledge on how the education systems operate in Malawi and how they can advocate for improvement of the same.
"This is meant to help them make informed decisions when it comes to provision of quality education which is very vital in the development of our country. For example, if they notice that there are few teachers at a school, they should take an action which will lead to more teachers being deployed to that school," Madimbo said.
Chairperson for Nkhatabay Youth Network, Erik Banda hailed FAWEMA for the training which he said had equipped the youths with advocacy skills.
In his remarks, District Education Management Information Systems Officer, Michael Gondwe said the youths will help improve education standards in Nkhatabay since collection of information will be enhanced.
"Our office was already understaffed but now, we have these youths who will be collecting information in the field and we will use the data to rectify problems being faced in the education sector," Gondwe said.
The training was conducted with support from Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
Restricting soya beans exportation will help government to trace forex
By Levison Lester
Lilongwe, April 5, MANA: Director of Research and Outreach, and a Lecturer at the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Samson Katengeza has said the decision to ban exportation of raw soya beans will help the government to control and trace forex in the country.
Reacting to a statement released by Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Katengeza said the export ban of raw soya beans will help government to have fixed markets that will absorb all the products that farmers have produced.
“Free exports of soya beans by anyone makes the government not to trace the forex coming to Malawi. So the export ban will help the government to control and trace forex. My advice is that the government should make sure that all farmers who have licenses should be given a chance to export the product,” He said.
Katengeza further added that the ban will help producers to benefit from the market price that the government has recently released saying government will be able to control the price of soya beans due to export ban.
Paul Chiwaya a farmer from Dowa said a decision to halt the exportation of soya beans in Malawi will benefit local farmers to have high income saying the export ban will ensure a steady demand of soya beans in the country.
Chiwaya added that the government should come up with strategies that will foster long term sustainability and competitiveness of the soya beans at the market for the farmers to benefit.
“While prioritizing domestic supply can enhance food security and support local industries, it’s also crucial for the government to implement measures that will foster long terms results. The government should consider implementing policies to support farmers in maximizing their returns.
“Additionally, it is important for the government to monitor the market closely to ensure that the increased availability of soya beans does not lead to oversupply or price fluctuations in other sectors,” Chiwaya said.
While confirming the export ban, Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Patrick Botha said the exportation ban is a result of estimated production decline of raw soya beans in the country.
“the National Crop estimate exercise that was carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture suggest that there is a decline in soya beans production. Malawi as a country, we are now promoting value addition and diversification, so the exportation ban of raw soya beans will help industries which use raw soya beans to grow,” He said.
NICE Trust appeals for women to participate in 2025 elections
By: Shyra Nselema
Chiradzulu, April 5, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has urged women in Chiradzulu district to actively participate in the upcoming general election scheduled for September 2025.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency during District Advisory Forum (DAF) meeting held on Thursday, NICE Programmes Officer for Chiradzulu, Moses Kaunda said women's participation in elections is essential for inclusivity and development.
"As members of DAF you have a crucial role to play in sensitizing women to take part in general elections by not only voting but also contesting in various positions so that women concerns are represented," he said.
Chiradzulu has five constituencies with no female member of parliament in the current national assembly and has 10 wards with only one female councilor
He then reassured the DAF and the public that NICE Trust was prepared to work with various stakeholders to ensure that the 2025 elections are free, fair, and peaceful.
Kaunda also expressed concern over youth’s involvement in disrupting political campaigns, saying this is against principles of democracy and good governance
In his remarks, Group Village Head Mbalame applauded NICE Trust for organizing the DAF meeting, saying the meeting was ideal and relevant for members’ understanding on electoral processes.
Mbalame therefore expressed hope that Chiradzulu DAF will disseminate right information regarding elections to communities.
"Let me commend NICE for inviting us to this meeting because sometimes we just see organizations and stakeholders coming in our villages without engaging us. We will be able to sensitize our people on voter registration and the voting process," he said.
DAF comprises of representatives from district council, faith and traditional leaders, business community, civil society organizations, youths, Area Civic Education Coordinators among others.
DAF which meets quarterly works in close collaboration with the District Civic Education Officer to ensure successful implementation of NICE Trust’s programmes including electoral matters.
FAO to Introduce Fish product in Home-Grown School feeding programme
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, 4 April, MANA: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has emphasised the importance of having fish powder in Home -Grown School Feeding (HGSF) Programme as a way of improving health life for the learners.
Speaking in Lilongwe, Thursday during a dissemination workshop for the Microbial assessment results and Consumer acceptability trial tests of fish powders. FAO Representative Jogeir Toope said they had to assess the fish powder to see how significant the product is to the learners.
“Aquatic foods are good as they are rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins so if they are consumed in schools it means learners are going to have all these nutrients.
As FAO we had to do research to determine whether learners are going to accept the new product and the results of the findings are successful as many learners in lake shore areas like Monkey -Bay have welcomed the project”, said Toope.
He further said there is need to look much in the product before bringing in the audience to make sure that the food is safe to the consumers.
Associate Professor for food Microbiology at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in the Department of Food Science and Technology Tinna Manani said they did a scoping study to scale up the animal source protein particularly small fish if it would be an ideal food in the school feeding programme.
“We did the Microbial study to look at the cost of the fish so there are some small fish which are high in protein and so we had to use that for the fish powder and when we gave porridge to the learners aged 6- 13 -they liked it.
As researchers we know that there are a lot of potential to enhance the mineral and protein composition in schools, only that we need to do research again to those learners who do not live in the lake shore areas to see how they are going to react to the fish powder before proceeding with the project”, said Manani.
Deputy Director (Community Outreach and Services) for the Department of Fisheries Sabstone Benson Unyolo said the fisheries sector plays an important role in food and nutrition security.
He said with an annual production of 186,000 metric tonnes, it constitutes over 70 percent of the dietary animal protein intake of Malawians and 40 percent of the total protein supply.
“The fish powders in school feeding programme to our department is a welcome development and we are committed to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goal number 2: to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture and also Malawi’s Agenda 2063 which aims to transform Malawi into a wealthy and self-reliant industrialised 'upper- middle-income country”, said Unyolo
Construction works of Mangochi feeder tarmac road excites RFA
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, April 5, Mana: Roads Fund Administration (RFA) has expressed satisfaction over the progress of construction of a K1 billion feeder tarmac Soko to bus depot road in the Mangochi Municipality under the Special Roads Rehabilitation Project.
The road project which will cover a distance of 850 meters, started in October last year and is expected to be completed in May this year.
NRA directors inspected the project on Thursday and RFA board chairperson, Mathews Chikankheni said the Special Roads Rehabilitation Project will bring impact to both cities and municipals.
The RFA board chairperson assured the local authorities which are implementing the roads projects that they will be consistently receiving funding every year.
‘‘As Roads Fund Administration, we are very excited to note that the Soko via bus depot tarmac road at Mangochi Municipal is taking shape at an expected timeframe and we are also happy to see that the issue of quality has been taken into account.’’
‘‘In the 2023/2024 financial year, we allocated K1 billion each to Mangochi, Kasungu as well as Karonga municipalities. But we also funded city councils of Zomba and Mzuzu with K 2 billion each, while Lilongwe and Blantyre got K 4 billion each. If the councils are consistently funded every year, we feel there will be greater impact on feeder roads come four years also,’’ added Chikankheni.
The Special Roads Rehabilitation Project is being implemented across all cities, as well as municipal councils in the country to improve road infrastructure.
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer, for Mangochi Municipality Council, Ernest Kadzokoya said that amongst challenges that affected the project include close availability of Water Board pipes, Electricity poles, as well as vendors along the road.
Kadzokoya however said that they are working hand in hand with relevant stakeholders in order to address the problem.
‘‘This has given us a lesson to start discussing with all our clients who are within our alignment, to see how best they can move away from our road alignment,’’ said Kadzokoya.
Minister urges councilors to popularize new Land Act
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, April 4, Mana: Minister of Lands Deus Gumba has urged ward councilors in the country to help in raising awareness for the new Land Act and other land related legislation.
Speaking on Thursday during a sensitization meeting with councilors and management of Zomba City Council at Sunbird Ku Chawe, Gumba said despite the passing of various pieces of land legislation, there was still huge information gap.
He therefore said councilors, as leaders in various communities, have the role of ensuring that the masses understand the new Acts and all amendments made on land issues in the country.
“The purpose of the meeting with councilors and city management is basically for them to fully understand key issues on all land related laws and assist in raising public awareness. We believe that this engagement will help in reducing land disputes and petitions on various Acts,” Gumba explained.
Apart from meeting councilors, he said his ministry already engaged all traditional chiefs on their roles and what the new Act stipulates in full.
“Just some key points on the Land Act: sale of land to non-Malawians has been prohibited unless it is for investment purposes; no person is allowed to sell vacant or undeveloped leasehold or freehold land; and no sale of customary land estates,” Gumba explained.
In addition, the new Land Act removed payment of application fees when registering customary estates unless it is an organization or body corporate.
Mayor for Zomba City, Councilor Davie Maunde, said the sensitization meeting was an eye opener and promised to assist the ministry in passing the message far and beyond.
“Issues of land are sensitive and crucial in our society and we thank the Ministry of Lands for organizing this meeting. This sensitization has equipped us with relevant information and in return, address the information gap,” he said.
The new Land Act and other amended Acts were passed in Parliament in March 2022 after protest of the first generated laws in 2016.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Lands continues to engage various stakeholders to ensure the correct information on land issues is passed to masses for proper understanding and practices.
23 Zomba groups get K58.8 million MWASIP performance grants
By Solister Mogha
Zomba April 4, Mana: Zomba District Council on Wednesday awarded 23 Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) performance-based grants amounting to K58.8 million through the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP).
The VNRMCs get grants as part of appreciating their commitment in land and forest management along the Shire River basin.
Speaking during the grant awarding ceremony at Chinseu in Traditional Authority Nkapita’s area, MWASIP District Coordinator Mackenley Dupu said the grants were meant to motivate village groups to seriously implement land and natural resources activities under the project.
“Apart from motivating the groups, the grants are also given to improve the livelihood of people working in the project so that they should establish small scale businesses. This is not something free, the grants are given after a vigorous assessment of the groups impact made in their respective catchments.” he added.
While congratulating the groups for receiving the money, Dupu encouraged them to work extra hard to attract more grants and further asked the recipients to use the grants for the intended purpose.
“What I can assure you of is that the project has more grants to offer and all what is required is your dedication,” he said.
The performance grants were given based on activities each group implemented irrespective of its membership.
Patrick Gonani of Mgonanyani VNRMC, which got K4.2 million, hailed MWASIP for honouring its promise of awarding best performing committees, saying the grants will enable members in the group to open businesses that will improve households’ income.
“The grants have come at the right time and we promise to use the money for its intended purpose. You should expect that groups will seriously implement activities in line with project objectives,” Gonani assured.
Traditional Authority Nkapita also commended MWASIP for the grants which he described as a huge investment in his area.
“Through the small scale businesses, the whole community stands a chance to benefit from the grants. I therefore commend MWASIP for the huge investment and also assure the council of my total support to the project,” the chief said.
Depending on implementation of the project, some groups were awarded K4 million while other got K1 million.
MRCS gives out K98 million to hunger stricken families in Zomba
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, April 4, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) this week launched its Lean Season Response Programme by distributing K98 million cash to 650 hunger affected families in Zomba in response to government's appeal for humanitarian assistance in the face of current food situation.
The support which follows the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report compliments to government's effort in assisting families that have no food.
Speaking during the launch at Traditional Authority Ngwelero, MRCS Emergency Operations Coordinator Lous Solomon said the distribution of cash was a response to government's call to support food insecure households.
“After the MVAC report, government made a call for development partners to support families deemed to be food insecure, As Malawi Red Cross Society, we mobilized resources that will support 650 families in Zomba for three months,” Solomon said.
He said each of the selected households will get an equal total support of K150,000 covering a period of three months.
“It is our expectation that these families will buy food and be able to take care of their families, especially addressing their food need,” Solomon explained.
Apart from cash distribution, the MRCS will also support all farming households with sweet potato vines and vegetable seeds for winter cropping.
Dyna Taulo, 86, hailed the MRCS for the support, saying she will use the money to buy maize to feed her family which was in difficult food situation.
“I have five grandchildren and for the past three days we relied on okra. This support is a big relief to me,” she said.
According to MVAC report, over 49,000 households are likely to face hunger, thus calling for huge support.
Flooding affects livelihood in Mangochi
By Lyte Ali and Shaffie Bakali
Mangochi, April 4, Mana: Despite rainfall inconsistence in Mangochi this year, families in the district living along Shire River, Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe have been displaced, following flooding of the three water bodies with crocodiles wandering all over and posing threats to lives of people.
A spot check by Malawi News Agency in selected areas under Traditional Authority Mapira shows that the floods have filled most of the houses plus some lodges, disturbing the hospitality industry.
Heavy rains have persisted in the northern region of the country as well as from the neighboring Republic of Tanzania, causing the water levels of major water bodies to rise.
Speaking in an Interview on Wednesday, one of the affected people from Ngalamu Village, Aliate Chikausa, said that the development has brought panic and burden to most families in the area.
“The floods have made our village an island, making access to markets, workplaces, schools and maize mills a problem.
“The only way to travel from our village to access these places is through the boat which is costing us a lot. We usually travel four to six times a day, which is sucking our financial muscle but we have no other options,” said Chikausa, adding that life is in imminent danger as increased number of crocodiles are seen wandering around villages.
Another displaced person, Ellias Chikoko, said floods have negatively impacted people's marital life as the displacement has caused temporary separation of many couples.
"We were living in our own house which, as of now, is in water. My relatives offered us a temporary shelter to settle but it cannot accommodate the whole family and resorted to send my wife and children away to the village, waiting for the situation to stabilize" said Chikoko.
In an interview, T/A Mapira said that the floods were a setback to development in his area and the whole district, adding that economic activities that could improve household incomes have stopped.
"Many people constructed modern infrastructures that added beauty to this area. Floods have destroyed such infrastructures, a thing which is worrisome," said Mapira.
While pleading with government and other organizations to come and help the affected people, Mapira asked those that have been affected by the flooding to relocate to safer places.
