By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah SC, JA (Retired), personally oversaw the distribution of food aid to families struggling with hunger in the Senior Chief Kalumbu area of Lilongwe.
She highlighted that the programme is being implemented under the direction of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, aiming to reduce the hardships faced by households affected by food shortages.
Dr. Ansah stressed that development at the family, community, and national levels cannot progress if citizens lack sufficient food to meet their basic needs.
She pointed out that the 2024/2025 farming season was heavily impacted by the La Niña weather phenomenon, which delayed rainfall, caused inconsistent showers, and led to flooding in several areas.
The Vice President further noted that rising commodity prices, crop-damaging pests, and broader economic challenges have intensified the country’s food insecurity.
Citing data from the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC), she revealed that over four million Malawians are projected to experience food shortages between October 2025 and March 2026.
Dr. Ansah explained that the President had declared all 28 districts and four cities as food-insecure, prompting a nationwide distribution of relief supplies to ensure vulnerable populations receive support.
She expressed appreciation to development partners, local councils, and organizations for their commitment to ensuring timely delivery of food assistance to those in need.
The Vice President urged the country to embrace modern and irrigated farming methods rather than relying solely on rain-fed agriculture, emphasizing this as essential for long-term food security.
In closing, Dr. Ansah appealed to beneficiaries to use the maize responsibly, report any fraudulent practices, and reminded the public that the law will hold accountable anyone who seeks to compromise the integrity of the programme.
