Items filtered by date: May 2025

By: Steve Chirombo

Dedza, November 28, Mana: Government has expressed satisfaction with how Tipindule Project implemented by Action Aid in Dedza District is impacting on the lives of the beneficiaries.

Gilbert Malota, Dedza District Council Methodology Extension Officer, made the sentiments on Thursday during a visit to some beneficiaries under Senior Chief Kachere in the district.

During the tour, it was observed that beneficiaries of the project, whose sole purpose was Village Savings and Loans (VSLs), have also gone into farming, buying livestock while others have built good houses.

“We actually came to appreciate the interventions Action Aid is doing. We have seen a lot from farming, livestock among many others. Looking at how members of the VSLs are benefitting, we are impressed as government. Others have built houses, bought livestock while others have managed to have orchards,” said Malota.

He said what Action Aid is doing is in-line with government’s vision of achieving the Malawi 2063 Agenda among others, food security and wealth creation.

According to Malota, there is good working relationship between the council and Action Aid and called for continued collaboration while calling on the beneficiaries to seriously use the chances in order to improve their livelihoods.

On her part, one of the beneficiaries, Estele Mtonda, said lives for most of the VSL members, have improved under Action Aid’s Tipindule project.

“The two years, Action Aid has been in our area, we can testify the good fruits the project has brought to the communities. Most of us through the VSLs have managed to establish small scale businesses which are helping our daily needs,” stated Mtonda.

Group Village Head Dzaipa in the area said the project has greatly improved lives of the people. He called on other fellow community members to take part in the interventions so that they too should benefit.

Action Aid, Project Officer for Dedza, Maria Jingini, said the project in Senior Chief Kachere’s area is in 14 group village heads working with VSL groups as well as revamping others that already existed but did not have the desired expertise.

“We equip them with expertise in savings and loans as recommended by government, financial management as well as how to establish and run businesses, nutrition and vision which will determine their future as they participate in our programs,” she said.

Jingini further hailed government through Dedza district council for the joint efforts in the implementation of the project.

“VSLs aside, we also encourage the communities to conserve and do businesses that do not harm the environment. I can assure you that these interventions are also positively impacting on communities as they are able to establish tree nurseries which are being planted in homes while others turned into community forests. All this to ensure that environment is restored,” she said.

The project is being implemented with funds from Financial Access for Rural Markets Smallholders and Enterprises (FARMSE).

By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, November 29, Mana: Communities in Nsanje on Friday appealed to government to continue with the Affordable Input Program (AIP) as it has improved crop production in the district.

Edith Mkata from Mchacha Village, Traditional Authority Malemia said in an interview that for the past two years she has been on the program, she has realized bumper yields from her garden.

She said she is now able to harvest 20 bags from the same garden, which she used to harvest 7 bags.

"This program is very beneficial to us in the village and would like to appeal to government to continue with the program, " she said.

Shanu Lami from Lampi Village, Traditional Authority Malemia praised government for the program adding that it is helping the common man from the village.

"I cannot afford to buy fertilizer at the shop. Thanks to government for including me in the program that enables me buy fertilizer at a subsidized price," he added.

Ester Vunganyade from Kailedzi Village in the area of Senior Chief Mlolo said AIP has reduced hunger at her house.

She said the issue of facing hunger each year is now history as she is able to harvest more as compared to the time she was not in the program.

"We understand this year we will have good rains and I have already redeemed my bags of fertilizer. If all goes well this year, am expecting a good harvest," Vunganyade said.

AIP Coordinator for Nsanje Rodrick Mphamba said this year the district has a total of 10, 413 AIP beneficiaries.

Mphamba said a total of 2, 396 have already redeemed NPK fertilizer and 5, 995 have redeemed Urea fertilizer.

He expressed hope that fertilizer will be available soon so that the remaining number of people should redeem their fertilizer.

By Alexander Tchongwe

Mzimba, November 29, Mana: District Elections Officer for Mzimba South, Chrispin Chakhumbila says voter registration exercise has started smoothly in all the 311 centres across the district.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, Chakhumbila said the exercise is progressing well, saying they are taking proactive measures to address potential challenges. 

He said anticipated challenges such as mobility issues in remote areas like Khosolo and Mugungulu, as well as fuel shortages, have not been experienced so far. 

“We had concerns about accessing hilly areas and ensuring enough fuel for the exercise. However, we currently have sufficient fuel, and we have deployed strong teams to ensure operations in hard-to-reach areas remain uninterrupted,” said Chakhumbila. 

Supervisor for Mzimba LEA Registration Center, Eston Nyirenda reported an encouraging turnout. 

“We started in the morning and more than 40 people have already registered. We expect an increase in numbers as the exercise progresses,” said Nyirenda. 

One of the registered voters, Jessy Kamanga encouraged others to register so they can exercise their right to elect leaders of their choice during 2025 polls. 

Group Village Head (GVH) Amon Moyo said he has been actively mobilizing people in his community to register for the polls. 

“We have been holding meetings more than four times a month to remind our people to prepare for registration. Additionally, we have spread messages during religious gatherings, other community meetings, and even at funerals to ensure everyone understands the importance of this exercise,” said Moyo. 

The registration exercise, which started on Thursday, will run until December 11, 2024.

By Andrew Gondwe

Chitipa, November 29, Mana: In a bid to complement government efforts in promoting quality education in the country, World Vision Malawi (WVM) on Thursday donated US$77, 000 worth of assorted school items to various schools in the area of Senior Chief Kameme in Chitipa District.

The benefiting schools are Nsambo Primary School and Kameme Community Day Secondary School.

WVM District Manager for Karonga and Chitipa districts, Hendrix Kalanje said that Nsambo Primary School benefited 93 desks, 13 desk chairs and nine tables totaling to US$65, 286. 50, while Kameme CDSS received 48 double mattresses at a cost of US$11,832.

Kalanje explained that the total cost of the donation included transportation, clearing and other costs.

He further explained that the donation was made after the organization observed that Nsambo school lacked furniture and Kameme CDSS had no mattresses to accommodate large numbers of learners for quality education.

“We established girl learners at Kameme CDSS were sleeping on bare floor and this was not conducive to their studies,” Kalanje said.

Director of Planning and Development for Chitipa District Council, Smith Mnenula commended WVM for being a good development partner to the district.

Mnenula said that the donation contributed towards improved education standards and students’ academic performance at the two schools.

“Let me urge authorities in these two schools to take care of the properties and use them for the intended purpose for them to last long,” said Mnenula.

Head teacher for Nsambo Primary School, Douglas Siame applauded WVM for the desks which he said will accommodate 272 learners at the school.

Head girl for Kameme CDSS, Eluby Chiona thanked WVM for donating mattresses, saying the mattresses will improve girls’ accommodation hence motivating them to concentrate on their studies.

By Vida Msiyo

Blantyre, November 29, Mana: A total of 700 vulnerable households in Traditional Authority Lundu, Blantyre, on Thursday received food and financial assistance from the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) under the Blantyre Archdiocese.

The support, funded by Caritas Korea and Italy, was aimed at easing food shortages in the area as about 200 households received MK100, 000 each to buy food, while 500 households were given 10 kilograms of soya corn blend to help malnourished children.

Speaking during the event, Vicar General, Monsignor Boniface Tamani said the Catholic Church is committed to helping those in need, emphasizing the church’s mission to support the vulnerable especially in times of hardship and ensure no one is left behind.

“We are concerned about the hunger affecting Malawi, with support from Caritas Korea and Italy, we are able to help those in need and this act of giving is also the reason we celebrate the World Day of the Poor, to ensure there is no hunger or violence in families and the country,” said Tamani.

Blantyre District Council Disaster Officer Faith Khamula thanked the church for the gesture, saying T/A Lundu is one of the areas that faces hunger every year. She further said that such support helps ease the burden on the local community and strengthens efforts to combat food insecurity in the district.

“As Blantyre District Council, we are happy to see churches helping; this support will go a long way in assisting the government in its efforts to provide food to those affected by hunger. So the involvement of churches in this effort is crucial in ensuring that the most vulnerable people receive the assistance they need during these challenging times,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Rosemary William, thanked the church for its inclusive approach to helping the needy, saying the support has given her hope during difficult times and she praised the Roman Catholic Church for ensuring that no one, regardless of their background is left behind in the aid distribution.

“What the Roman Catholic has done is a great work, they have helped me and everyone who is poor in this area, not just members of their Church but anyone. So I encourage other religious groups to do the same when helping people to make Malawi a better place,” she added.

The assistance focuses on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, widows and orphans to ease their struggles during hard times.

By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, November 29, Mana: At least 20 houses were destroyed on Thursday by stormy rains in the area of Senior Chief Mwenewenya in Chitipa District.

Councillor for Wenya Ward who is also Chairperson for Chitipa District Council, Ronald Kayira, said that the area received heavy rains accompanied by strong winds on Thursday resulting in destruction of some houses.

“Many houses have been destroyed and initial assessment is underway to establish exact households affected in group village heads Mfinda, Sekwa and Kalowe in the area of Senior Chief Mwenewenya,” Kayira said.

Disaster Risk Management Officer for Chitipa District Council, Mphatso Nedson said that his office has received reports from Wenya Area Disaster Risk Management Committee (ADRMC) concerning the disaster that has hit the area.

“Approximately 20 households have been destroyed by stormy rains and Village Disaster Risk Management Committee and ADRMC members are on the ground assessing the magnitude of the damage,” Nedson said.

By Abel Ikiloni

Blantyre, November 29, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has urged the people of Chonde in Mulanje to have trust in the government as it works to address various challenges facing Malawians, including hunger.

Usi was speaking on Thursday when he interacted with small-scale business people at Luchenza Trading Centre in Thyolo and Chonde Market in Mulanje District.

He said government remains determined to resolve all the challenges affecting the country, calling on people to exercise patience.

The VP also urged people not to be exploited by politicians to engage in violent political activities.

During the tour, Usi in his personal capacity distributed fertilizers to vulnerable elderly person in Mulanje.

On his way back from Mulanje, he also briefly stopped at Chonde Market and in Blantyre where he interacted with market vendors at Chikapa and Luanda in Machinjiri Township.

Addressing the people, Usi asked people to have trust with the current government because it is trying all it can to deal with the problems people are going through.

In his remarks, chairperson for the Luanda Market, Saidi Tsinkha commended the Vice President for visiting their area.

By Rose Cross Mahorya and Manasse Nyirenda

Mzuzu, November 29, Mana: Strong wind accompanied by partial rains on Thursday blew off roofs of some houses and school blocks in Mzimba and Rumphi districts.

In Mzimba among other destroyed structures include Baula Primary School which is one of the voter registration centres in Mzimba North East Constituency.

Confirming the incident, District Elections Officer for Mzimba North, Demeria Rocha said the situation led to temporal suspension of the voter registration exercise at the centre but assured the situation is under control.

“Registration will proceed tomorrow. There has been no injury but personal belonging of our officers have been destroyed,” said Rocha.

In a related development, the voter registration exercise at Chinyera in Mzimba East Constituency was disrupted after several officers fell ill with diarrhea, and one officer was referred to Mzuzu Central Hospital for treatment.

According to Medical Officer for Mzimba North District Health Office, Shadreck Mzima Ngwira, health personnel have already been alerted to monitor the situation and establish the cause of the disease.

In a related development, stormy rains, on Thursday damaged classroom blocks at Chiyvaladi and Fyolonga primary schools in Rumphi disrupting teaching and learning.

Primary Education Advisor (PEA) for Mzokoto Education Zone, Tamara Mkandawire said that a block that housed two classes including the school’s deputy head teacher’s house had their roofs blown off.

"We are currently planning on double shift classes to ensure that we continue with teaching and learning. Some classes will be learning in the morning while others later in the day.

We therefore need portable black boards to ensure that classes continue without much challenges as some learners will still be learning outside due to inadequate classes," said Mkandawire.

Miriam Mtumbuka, PEA for Luviri Education Zone in which Fyolonga Primary School is located, said that there is urgent need for rehabilitation of the school block for classes to return to normal.

Chief Education Officer for Rumphi, Emmanuel Mwalirino said that his office is currently assessing the situation.

“We are planning to implement temporary redress measures to ensure that classes are not disrupted for an extended period,” said Mwalirino.

Chiyvaladi and Fyolonga primary schools have enrollment of 450 and 170 learners respectively and no injury has been reported in both cases.

By Evance Chisiano

Chiradzulu, November 28, Mana:  A grouping of people from Namitambo in Chiradzulu called Zakwathu Ku Namitambo Trust on Thursday organised a career talk at Namadidi and Muhasuwa Community Day Secondary Schools in the district to give proper career guide to students.

Zakwathu Ku Namitambo Trust National Coordinator, Pacharo Namatumbo said the career talk was part of the trust’s school outreach programmes that are also meant to motivate students to aim higher in their education.

Zakwathu Ku Namitambo which has members in many parts of Malawi, started in 2017 as a WhatsApp group of people from Namitambo before it got registered as a trust in 2021, prompting the entity to offer bursary to needy students from schools at Namitambo area.

“We started small but we’re growing big to do more for this area. We provided bursary to needy students. We also planted trees in three primary schools here at Namitambo in the previous forestry season,” the National Coordinator added.

During the career talk, Nursing and midwifery technician, a police officer, journalist and a teacher provided career guide to the students at Namadidi and Muhasuwa secondary schools where the interaction enabled the students to learn more about the professions.

He said Zakwathu Ku Namitambo Trust will continue to motivate students in the area to see children in the area succeed in secondary and tertiary education.

The trust also gave out MK20, 000 to each of four best students at Namadidi and MK10, 000 to each of eight best students at Muhasuwa to motivate them further.

A form 1 student at Namadidi CDSS, Maureen Kachingwe said was grateful for being recognised as best performing student in her class, saying this was a great recognition and honour.

Namadidi CDSS Head Teacher, Mavuto Kachingwe hailed Zakwathu Ku Namitambo Trust for organizing the career talk which he said was ideal for the students at Namitambo and called on the trust to keep on providing career guidance to students to motivate them further.

“Give us the energy, we will not be the same. You are a friend in need, you’re a true partner,” the head teacher added.

Namadidi CDSS has an enrollment of 195 students.

Muhasuwa CDSS Deputy Head Teacher, Mercy Macheza also thanked the trust for organising the career talk to students, noting the talk provided enough guidance and also provided motivation to the students.

Muhasuwa CDSS has 400 students in the mainstream and 250 students in the open section.

By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, November 28, Mana: Belia Chipeta, 78, from Kajiso Shaba Village in Traditional Authority Mthwalo in Mzimba, never believed that the Affordable Input Programme (AIP) truly existed.

Since the programme was established years ago, she had never benefited, which made her feel that only those connected to the Member of Parliament or related to chiefs were privileged to access it.

For decades, her farming journey yielded no significant results. Her household endured hunger year in and year out because she could not afford fertilizer and had to rely on a few kilos sold by vendors, which were never enough.

The years of insufficient harvests left Chipeta struggling to provide enough food for her family, making food security an unattainable dream.

However, everything changed when she learned her name was among the beneficiaries for the 2024-2025 farming season. She felt a surge of joy, knowing she would now farm with renewed hope and peace of mind.

“When I heard that my name had been considered to buy affordable fertilizer, I jumped in disbelief because I knew that my challenges with food security were finally over," said Chipeta.

"Today, I have managed to buy two bags, which will be enough for my garden. I believe this will transform my household from being food insecure to food secure," she added.

Chipeta thanked the government for introducing the programme, saying it is a game-changer for agricultural productivity.

Another beneficiary, Eleaner Kanyimbo from Chilongozi Village in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe's area in Rumphi district, also commended the AIP saying it has potential to make people food secure and expressed her gratitude for being included in the programme.

"As a beneficiary this year, I feel honoured to be among those buying fertilizer. I am confident I will have enough food next year," said Kanyimbo.

She also appreciated the government’s efforts to ensure fertilizer is available on time and with minimal hurdles.

"I was nervous when I heard about issues like network problems, mismatched names, and other glitches. But all those have been resolved. I believe that by next year, I will not only have enough food but also surplus to sell, which will help pay school fees for my children and buy other household necessities," she added.

From Ekwendeni in Mzimba North, Blessings Twea echoed Kanyimbo's sentiments, emphasizing that the price of fertilizer on the market is unaffordable for many farmers, but AIP has made it possible for them to access it.

"We thank the government for being considerate. There are farmers who are elderly or living with disabilities who cannot afford to raise over MK100,000 for fertilizer. This programme provides a much-needed cushion for such people," said Twea.

Senior Group Village Headwoman Mankhambira from Nkhatabay also expressed her gratitude, saying the programme will significantly improve food security in communities.

"Many people could not harvest enough in the last growing season because they could not afford fertilizer. The AIP will help farmers produce enough, as fertilizer is now within their reach. So far, there have been no problems; people are buying freely," she said.

Programmes Manager for Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (ADD), Anderson Chikomola, said that this year’s AIP has targeted 101,914 beneficiaries across the four district councils of M'mbelwa, Rumphi, Nkhatabay, and Likoma.

Chikomola said the programme has begun smoothly, with 94 selling points established across the ADD where farmers are already redeeming their inputs.

"We have prioritized hard-to-reach areas so that farmers have ample time to buy fertilizer and seeds before the rains start," he explained.

"Additionally, the programme has a multifaceted approach. Beyond AIP, some farmers are benefiting from NEEF loans and livestock initiatives. We believe this programme will not only ensure food security for farmers but also enable them to sell surplus, creating opportunities for others to benefit," Chikomola added.