By Robert Katuli

Lilongwe, January 25, Mana: Experts at the 10^th Eminent Speaker series event, held on Thursday in Lilongwe, searched for answers on why there is little to show on the country’s agricultural diversification drive when a lot of research has shown that this is a catalyst for growing the economy.

Speaking in an interview at the end of the event at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), Director General for National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Thomas Munthali, said focus is what is needed now to act on what is already known about the importance of diversification.

“In Malawi 2063, we’ve got a pillar of how we inclusively create wealth. And that one of the key pillars is agricultural productivity and commercialization,” said Munthali, relating to agricultural diversification which, in part, involves transforming traditional agriculture into a dynamic and commercial sector.

He said there are initiatives in place to transform the agricultural sector towards diversification, observing the initiatives just need to be scaled up and accelerated.

“But we have big hope because if you look at the mega farms, it is showing that we are moving towards diversification.

“If we can hold hands and continue what is already showing, we can advance a lot,” added Munthali.

Mwapata Institute Executive Director, William Chadza, concurred with Munthali adding that despite other gray areas, there is always big hope of learning about what is working in agricultural sector and what is not, the challenges being faced and their solutions.

“There are a number of reasons why we are in such a situation. One of them being how we priorities the resources which we have. We are not looking at it from a holistic point, so we need to look at how we spread and allocate those resources,” Chadza said.

On priorities, key speaker at the event, Professor Sosten Chiotha, who is Regional Director at the Leadership for Environment and Development in Southern and Eastern Africa (Lead), said in an interview that other natural resources also need to be considered when talking of agricultural development.

“Agriculture is directly linked to natural resources; therefore, we need to take the two together in our developments. The natural resource base will provide the water, the soil fertility,” said Chiotha.

He emphasized on the need to diversify the country's economy so that pressure on the agriculture sector is reduced.

Apart from the keynote speech by Professor Chiotha, the event, whose theme was ‘Enhancing agricultural growth and diversification’, also featured a panel discussion, among others.

NPC, alongside Mwapata Institute and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, organized the event that brought together key players from government, development partners, the academia and other institutions.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, January 26, Mana: A faith based non-governmental organization, Floresta, in partnership with Plant with Purpose has launched a five-year Watershed Restoration Programme with the goal of restoring forest cover on over 7,000 hectors of land along Lwafwa River in Nkhata Bay.

Speaking Thursday during the launch of the programme, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Michael Usi commended Floresta for joining other non-state actors in complementing the government’s efforts to restoring the environment through tree planting.

"When President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera talks about Malawi 2063, he has repeatedly called for inclusion in developing the country. That’s what the President has been encouraging us to do. I am very happy that today we have a very good example of what ought to be done.

This is a typical example of a good relationship that exists between the state and non-state actors. It is very encouraging that non-governmental organizations are participating in initiatives to prevent environmental degradation,” Usi said.

The minister also commended Floresta saying what they are doing is exactly in line with what the ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change advocates and he believes that it will be a model that others will emulate.

He expressed concern over continued tendency of wanton cutting down of trees for timber, charcoal making and agriculture activities, among others.

"I would like to appeal to communities to corroborate with government in preserving the environment because if we destroy it, it will destroy us in return," he said.

He expressed optimism that the battle to preserve the environment will be adopted by many since the impacts of climate change are being felt countrywide.

Board Chairperson for Floresta, Judith Kamoto said they decided to plant trees in Nkhata Bay to conserve Lake Malawi feeder rivers and contribute to the 4.5 million hectares of land which is in the Malawi’s Restoration Strategy.

“This is a hilly area and the most of the trees have been cut down. This means soil will be washed away into the river, taking it to the lake which is not good for ecosystem. We, therefore, want to restore this stretch of degraded land,” Kamoto said.

She said the project will go a long way in strengthening community capacity in addressing effects of climate change, enhance resilience of the households to mitigate socioeconomic shocks and improve relationship between people and God.

District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa was excited with introduction of the programme, saying it will contribute towards the reduction deforestation the district.

He, therefore, assured the organization of Khatam Bay District Council’s support throughout the project’s period and after for sustainability.

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, January 23, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has commended chiefs in the country for their role in fostering development.

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda disclosed this on Tuesday at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre after President Chakwera held a closed door meeting with paramount chiefs, senior traditional authorities, traditional authorities and sub traditional authorities from the Southern Region.

The Minister said development starts at the grassroots’ level observing that the country’s development depends on chiefs.

In December last year, President Chakwera met chiefs from the Eastern Region in Mangochi.

"Sustainability of development in our communities relies on chiefs because they are government’s eyes to initiate development. Therefore, for us to enjoy as a country and move forward, chiefs must be motivated and be aligned to what government is doing on ground.

“For that reason, it was imperative for the President to meet chiefs to appreciate their role and challenges, " he said.

In her remarks, Senior Chief Chikumbu of Mulanje hailed the President for engaging them.

She said during all chiefs have pledged to work with government and foster development in all places to benefit their subjects.

By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, January 22, Mana: Salima District Youth Officer, Jessie Mwansambo has advised parents to take interest in their children's education by constantly checking their school notebooks for progress and performance.

Mwansambo made the call on Monday during a donation at Nakondwa Community Based Organization (CBO) located in the area of Senior Chief Kalonga in the district sponsored by a British national, John Midgley, who assisted 75 learners with note books and pens.

Mwansambo emphasized on the need for collaborative efforts to educate children.

She said stakeholders, such as Midgley, are doing a commendable job towards technical expertise where as parents have cross cutting roles of providing and also supervising progress of children's performance.

"It is worrisome to note that performance of children in the district has been below par for some time and this might be attributed to cultural beliefs such as early marriages, child labour in some sectors such as fishing and other businesses. These malpractices need to be curbed. We need to hold hands," she said.

She called upon well-wishers to collaborate with the district council in implementing different projects in the education sector.

Director of Nakondwa CBO, Wise Balakasi said they have made the donation to encourage the learners on their education journey.

"As one way of promoting education in the country, we are lucky to be partnering with Midgley who has been supporting early childhood development in Senior Chief Kalonga.

"Educational materials are very important and not all parents can afford to provide for their children, therefore assisting the learners with educational materials will go a long way in smoothening their education journey," he said.

A standard eight learners at Nakondwa Primary School, Chifundo Banda Daudi expressed gratitude for the ten notebooks he received saying it is timely considering that he is in an examination class which requires having enough school materials to capture class notes.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, January 22, Mana: Sports analysts have asked Ministry of Youth and Sports to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Education in formalizing sports in the education system at all levels as a way of improving sports in the country.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, sports expert, Kim Kamau, said the country seriously misses grassroots football development as in the past football, and sports in general, was incorporated in the education syllabus which assisted in unearthing and building talent at the most critical aspect of the game.

"The state of Malawi football is a mixed bag. If we dissect into the technical and administrative angles technically the game has stagnated. If we are to do a proper comparative analysis of gains made at the national level and infrastructure we will find out that it has dwindled to worrisome levels," said Kamau.

He added that football commands a larger outcome than any other sport such that it has an ideal platform for creating market value for any product.

Kamau further explained that football generates revenue through gate collections and television rights and gives a platform for small and medium enterprises to undertake market activities.

In a separate interview Chairperson for Ngwangwa Wan Football Zone in Balaka, Vivah Mandala, appealed to government and other stakeholders to engage bonanza and leagues in local football communities because it is where talent and skillful people can be found.

“Gatekeepers should know that football starts from zones and it drives the economy. Lack of football resources hinders the improvement of football and the whole sports industry. Establishment of local sports from zones and districts can put Malawi on the map,” said Mandala.

He, therefore, said once vibrant structures which are an eyesore now like MDC, BAT, Nchalo, Zomba, Lilongwe Community Centre Ground and Mzuzu Stadium should be maintained they should be able to bring resources and boost the industry.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire said it is the ministry’s responsibility to make sure that resources are available for the elevation of sports in the country.

He said the ministry is working with other stakeholders to improve sports in the country.

"The industry has tremendously grown, with more stakeholders involved, including women administrators, and of course players. Our large focus is on the game to grow and provide all football necessities,” said Mkandawire.

By Memory Khutuliwa

Blantyre, January 21, Mana: Encountering Christ Helping Others (ECHO) Africa has donated 5,000 noted books to student at Nyambadwe Primary and Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Ndirande as one way of promoting primary and secondary education.

Speaking in an interview after the donation recently, Pastor Saphina Fletcher said ECHO Africa focuses on preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, organising sports bonanzas as one way of preaching the gospel and also providing Bibles and notebooks to needy students that cannot afford to buy.

‘Nyambadwe is our first school since it’s a new project but we will go to other schools,” she said observing that not all the students received the notebooks.

Fletcher, therefore, said ECHO’s target was to provide the note books to students in Form 2 and 4 and learners in Standard 8.

Nyambadwe CDSS Headteacher, Alex Sambo encouraged the students to use the notebooks for the intended purpose other than selling them.

“I appreciate this gesture. This has motivated students to work hard in class,” Sambo said.

Meanwhile, Nyambadwe CDSS and Nyambadwe Primary School are the only schools in Blantyre that received notebooks from ECHO Africa. Other school will receive their part.

104 students at Nyambadwe CDSS received the notebooks in Forms 2 and 4 while over 3,000 note books were divided among Standard 8 learners at Nyambadwe Primary School.