MANAonline
Government advises farmers to shun vendors
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, March 20, Mana: Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has advised farmers in the country not to sell their farm produce to vendors to maintain their harvest for national food security.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday that as farmers in various parts of Malawi have started harvesting their produce there is need to guard their produce from unscrupulous vendors.
He said the ministry sees the importance of protecting farmers against exploitation and other unfair trading practices that rob them of their hard work.
“To address the tendency of some farmers selling their produce to vendors at low prices, often due to immediate financial pressures or lack of accessible markets, we are working closely with the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) to ensure that their depots are operational and ready to purchase produce, particularly maize, at competitive and fair prices,” he said.
Kawale said his ministry is enhancing structured market systems such as the National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) and Agricultural Commodity Exchange (ACE), which allows farmers to sell their crops through a transparent platform that guarantees better prices and access to larger buyers.
“We are encouraging farmers to utilize these systems and providing training through our extension services to help them understand how to participate effectively.
“Additionally, the warehouse receipt system under ACE enables farmers to store their produce securely and sell when the market is favourable,” he said.
Kawale, therefore, assured farmers that the ministry will further regulate the market and protect them as government enforces measures that require all produce buyers to obtain permits from the Ministry of Agriculture, in line with the Agricultural General Purposes Act.
He said this ensures that only licensed traders, who are accountable to set standards can operate, reducing the influence of unscrupulous vendors.
“These efforts align with our broader vision under Malawi 2063 to transform agriculture into a commercialized, productive sector that ensures food security and improves livelihood.
“We remain committed to supporting farmers, who are the backbone of this nation, and I encourage them to reach out to district agricultural offices for assistance or clarification on these initiatives,” the minister said.
Agriculture expert, Tamani Nkhono Mvula, said apart from encouraging farmers to sell their produce to recommended markets, government should ensure that markets are open in time, offer good prices and open satellite markets closer to the farmers saying this will help reduce exploitation and unfair trading practices by vendors.
“The challenge has been that vendors, in most cases, are the only available buyers as ADMARC fail to open in time, or may be too far away from the farmers. Farmers, therefore, opt to sell their produce to vendors who mostly happen to be immediate buyers,” he said.
Ministry of Agriculture intensifies public awareness to sensitize farmers to retain some of their harvest for household food security and sell the surplus through official channels rather than to vendors offering exploitative prices.
Vice President Usi to attend Namibia’s Presidential Inauguration
By Leah Malimbasa
Windhoek, Namibia, March 20, Mana: Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi, is expected to arrive in Namibia this afternoon ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, scheduled for Friday.
The inauguration coincides with Namibia’s 35th Independence Anniversary, marking a significant moment in the country’s history as it welcomes its first female President.
Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Chiripo Ndau, emphasized the importance of Malawi’s presence at the event, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“Malawi celebrates this achievement and recognizes the significance of having a female President, especially on Independence Day. This momentous occasion inspires us to reflect on our own journey towards gender equality and encourages us to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society,” said Ndau.
She further reiterated Malawi’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Namibia under the new leadership.
“Malawi and Namibia have enjoyed a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation. We look forward to strengthening our ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration under the leadership of the new President. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for our nations and the African continent as a whole,” she added.
Journalists asked to put own safety first
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, March 20, Mana: As September elections draw near, journalists in the country have been asked to put their safety first.
Speaking in Mzuzu on Wednesday during a one-day training on safety of journalists during elections, Media Council of Malawi (MCM) Executive Director, Moses Kaufa, emphasized the need for journalists to think security saying no story is worth their lives.
“As a Council, we believe that if journalists can think of their safety first before any reporting, it will help them avoid dangerous situations and even seek help or protection on time.
“We have noted that most times journalists, in a bid to get a good report, break news first or get a good story, find themselves in risky and dangerous environments. We are saying it is time they learnt to put their safety first and flee when their lives are believed to be at risk,” said Kaufa.
He said the Council has established agreements with concerned stakeholders to ensure journalists are safe before, during and after the elections.
Northern Region Police Public Relations Officer, Maurice Chapola, said they are already working hand in hand with MCM and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter by developing proper guidelines on how the security agency can ably protect journalists from life threatening incidences.
“As a service, we are available anytime the media requires our service; we are also sharing safety guidelines with officers in our respective districts so that they can respond positively once approached by journalists.
“At the same time we are also sharing with them procedures they should and can take once they are in a situation that requires help,” said Chapola adding the guidelines are already being put into use as election processes are underway.
One of the journalists present for the training, Tiwonge Hara, said development of guidelines on how security agencies can work with the media to ensure their safety during elections is a welcome development because journalists are human first.
“No matter how hardworking you may be, life is something you cannot gamble with; therefore, journalists should think of their safety above everything else,” she said.
The training, which was conducted with support from United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), had representatives from all media institutions in the northern region.
NCIC launches national construction day
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 20, Mana: The National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) has organized a National Construction Day to recognize the construction sector’s role in shaping the nation’s environment and contributing to Malawi’s socioeconomic transformation in line with Malawi 2063.
The inaugural day will be held on May 20, 2025 at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday at NCIC offices in Lilongwe, NICC Chief Executive Officer, Gerald Khonje, said the event will feature exhibitions and showcase various development projects highlighting the industry's achievement and contributions.
"The day will celebrate the construction sector's crucial role in diversifying the economy, advancing technology, fostering national pride, economic growth and overall national development.
“The event will promote quality infrastructure, ethical conduct, integrity, partnerships, safety, sustainability, agility and innovation in construction,” he said.
Khonje said NCIC remains committed to ensuring the sector is transformed, quality driven and grows sustainably contributing to Malawi's development.
"The inaugural National Construction Day is a significant step towards achieving this goal" he said.
It is expected that President Dr Lazarus Chakwera will preside over the launch which will be held under the theme ‘Quality Driven Construction Industry building for generations.’
PCAM donates wheelchairs to children with cerebral palsy in Machinga
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, March 20, Mana: Palliative Care Association of Malawi (PCAM) has distributed specially designed wheelchairs to 22 people with cerebral palsy in Machinga District to improve their mobility.
The recipients are 12 children and 10 adults.
Speaking during the distribution at Machinga District Hospital on Wednesday, PCAM Project Manager, Fred Chiputula, said although cerebral palsy cannot be cured, life of those with the condition can be improved through palliative care.
“Our goal is to provide holistic care, addressing physical, psychological and spiritual needs of people with cerebral palsy. We recognize that caregivers face immense challenges in providing round-the-clock care.
“The wheelchairs will go a long way in improving mobility and overall quality of life," he said.
According to Chiputula, 12 of the wheelchairs were donated by Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAPD), a non-profit organization that advocates for the welfare of people with disabilities.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to MAPD for the support and encouraged communities to consult the organization to learn how to make similar wheelchairs to improve mobility of people with cerebral palsy.
Machinga district Hospital Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Flossy Fatch, commended PCAM for reaching out to people with cerebral palsy saying the initiative will ease mobility of people with the condition and ease caregivers’ responsibility.
"The main cause of cerebral palsy is premature birth that goes with complications during delivery. These complications can cause brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy,” Fatch explained.
She noted that many people with cerebral palsy face stigma and rejection in their communities, with some fathers abandoning their families due to misconceptions about the condition.
“It's essential to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and promote acceptance. We urge well-wishers to reach out to people with cerebral palsy as PCAM has done,” she said.
Catherine Sulani, a beneficiary from Traditional Authority Sitola, expressed gratitude to PCAM for the wheelchair saying it will enable her to care for her two-year-old son.
“The wheelchair is a huge relief to me. I will be able to do household chores and care for my son without having to carry him everywhere,” she said.
PCAM's efforts align with its mission to advocate for the availability and accessibility of palliative care services in Malawi.
It aims to improve the quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses.
Trocaire armors women volunteers to fight GBV
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, March 20, Mana: A total of 30 women volunteers on Wednesday received bicycles from Trocaire to help them address issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in three areas of Fosa, Kamenya and Thambolagwa under Senior Chief Kachere in Dedza District.
The women volunteers work under Gender Justice Unit (GJU) to which Trocaire sub granted funds to implement a project dubbed “Empower Safe: A Dedza Community’s Effort to Combat Gender Based Violence through Legal Empowerment.”
Speaking at the handover of the bicycles, Trocaire Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Lead, Thandizo Ngwira, said the donation marks International Women’s Day celebrations, which is globally celebrated on March 8 every year.
“We want to ease mobility challenges which these women pass through when addressing GBV issues in their areas. It is our aim to see equality achieved,” said Ngwira.
She hailed government for putting in place laws and policies in ensuring that women are empowered.
She expressing optimism that the donation will go towards ending GBV, enable volunteers to follow up cases and find it easy to report to relevant authorities.
Ngwira, therefore, urged the volunteers to be responsible for the bicycles while thanking government, partners and the communities for joint efforts in ensuring that women are empowered.
“We happy to see women holding positions; we want to see you in Area Development Committees, Village Development Committees and even elected as councilors or Members of Parliament.
GJU Project Coordinator, Chifundo Chulu, expressed hope that mobile courts will soon start happening in the area.
Both Agness Kachere and Alinafe Videli, volunteers for the project, said the training and knowledge gained have significantly helped in the reduction of GBV cases in their areas.
Dedza District Council Gender and Development Officer, Lisnet Dauya, stated that her office appreciates efforts from partners in ensuring that, apart from understanding GBV, women are empowered.
“As an office we can’t do everything on our own; we rely on partners. I urge women to utilize the knowledge gained to benefit both them and the people they serve,” she said.
However, Dauya, warned the women not to regard the bicycles as a means to assert power over their husbands.
Senior Chief Kachere said the project has transformed lives of most women in his area who are now able to stand up and speak on issues that affect them.
The donation was made possible with financial support from Irish Aid.
CS-EPWP participants cautioned on community contribution
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, March 20, Mana: Dedza District Council Project Facilitator for the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP), Jocaster Mnemba Khoriyo, has urged the program’s participants to actively take part in community contribution activities.
According to Khoriyo, having worked for 30 paying days, participants are allocated another 10 day period where they do community work in order to improve their communities.
The work includes community road maintenance, manure making as well as maintaining some small bridges, among others.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) during the fourth phase of the pay parade at Kalungama Catchment in Senior Chief Kachindamoto, Khoriyo said people need to proceed with contribution works and not relax because they are done with the allocated 30 days.
“In normal circumstances, apart from the 30 days working (paying period), we have another 10 days that communities do community contribution and community leaders play a crucial role in community mobilization.
“So, let us not be crooks on this one probably because the paying working period is over but rather be active in contributing to the development of our communities,” she said.
She said, from experience, community contribution works have been positive to the areas.
Khoriyo said the work does not limit anyone, as everyone is encouraged to take part in that particular area.
She, therefore, encouraged community members to remember that there are trees in their catchments and they need to always take care of them for their survival as a way of enhancing the environment.
Dedza district has 21,411 participants in all the 24 catchments.
CS-EPWP is one of the components of the Social Support for Resilience Livelihoods Project (SSRLP) being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with funding from the World Bank Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Elderly persons in Chitipa hail relief maize distribution
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, March 20, Mana: Some elderly persons in Chitipa District have commended government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) for distributing relief maize to households during the lean period.
75-year-old Efa Msukwa of Amos 2 Village in Senior Chief Mwenemisuku in the district thanked DoDMA for the relief maize, which, she said, will go a long way in ensuring that she has food for her family.
Msukwa said this on Wednesday at Chipwela in Senior Chief Mwenemisuku during the distribution of relief maize under the 2024/2025 lean season response programme across the district.
She said she had no staple food in her home and was eating what she had at her disposal.
“The maize I have received will help me and my family as I wait to harvest my maize from the field which I did not apply any fertilizer,” Msukwa said.
Elias Sichula, 83, of Masyesye Village in Senior Chief Mwabulambya in the district said the relief has come at the right time when families are experiencing hunger.
“I am happy to receive this 50 kilogramme bag of maize. This will help me, together with my family, have some meals,” Sichula said.
Chitipa District Council Disaster Risk Management Officer, Mphatso Nedson, said during this year's lean season, the district will provide relief maize to 5,791 beneficiary households who are in the programme.
Nedson appealed to the beneficiaries to utilize the assistance received by making sure that they do not sell it.
“This maize distribution is the last for this lean season because it was supposed to run for three months. We hope to have bumper yield this year and it is my plea to households to avoid selling farm produce,” he appealed.
The 2024/2025 lean season response programme for Chitipa was for January, February and March.
Thyolo CSOs demand transparency in GESD projects
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, March 20, Mana: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Thyolo have raised concerns over delays, lack of transparency and poor community involvement in the implementation of 13 projects under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).
A recent monitoring exercise revealed issues such as delayed project completion, lack of financial disclosure, poor community involvement and unpaid workers.
Thyolo CSO Network Chairperson, Willard Mwambo, said this on Wednesday when presenting their findings to Thyolo District Council officials.
He said while some projects like the Chimaliro Gravity-fed Irrigation Scheme are functional, others including Thyolo Boma Primary School, Mikate Health Post and Khongono Irrigation Scheme are either incomplete or facing serious setbacks.
“We are calling for urgent action because development projects must serve the people, not become a burden due to poor management. Transparency and accountability are key to success,” said Mwambo.
The CSOs have, therefore, recommended better oversight, community involvement and proper project handovers to ensure that the projects are completed and benefit local communities.
“Local communities need to be involved in supervision and monitoring of the projects as well as promote inclusivity. Many project implementation committees lacked representation of people with disabilities and youth who are among key minority groups,” said Mwambo.
Thyolo District Council Director of Planning and Development, Thokozire Munthali, described the engagement as an important platform for both the Council and CSOs.
“The platform gave us a chance to clear out some issues raised from the findings. The report highlighted different areas where the Council was performing well and those that needed improvement,” she said.
Munthali appreciated the feedback saying it will help improve areas of concern and also allowed the Council to clarify misconceptions.
“Having clarified, we believe that CSOs will take the message back to the masses on how things are supposed to be done,” she said.
CSOs impressed with Mchinji District Council’s implementation of GESD projects
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, March 20, Mana: Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in Mchinji have expressed satisfaction with Mchinji District Council’s implementation of development projects under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project.
Mchinji CSO Vice Chairperson, Davis Damson, made the remarks Wednesday during a findings consolidation meeting done after conducting a monitoring visit.
The CSOs monitored a number of projects implemented with GESD funds in the district.
“Our impression is that the Council is trying its best despite some challenges. The major problem is inadequate knowledge of GESD guidelines among project implementation committee members,” said Damson.
Damson advised the Council to equip the committees with guidelines and ensure that they are always active and independent.
Mchinji District Council Director of Planning and Development, Martin Pindankono, assured CSOs that the Council is doing everything possible for the district to continue getting GESD funds.
“Mchinji is progressing well since we are meeting guidelines and deadlines of the projects. To ensure community involvement, we always ask the community to institute project implementation committees at every project site and these are also trained,” said Pindankono.
The monitoring tour was done to check if the council is implementing the project in compliance with GESD guidelines.
