By Burnett Munthali
In the wake of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s declaration of a State of Disaster on October 25, 2025, following severe drought in 11 districts, local non-governmental organization Moyo Ngwathu has stepped forward to provide much-needed relief to affected communities.
The organization donated 100 bags of maize flour, each weighing 50 kilograms, to elderly residents in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbwatalika in Lilongwe, one of the districts hardest hit by the ongoing drought.
The donation comes at a time when the country is grappling with widespread food insecurity, as highlighted by a recent Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report.
According to the MVAC report, more than four million Malawians are facing acute food shortages and will require humanitarian assistance between October 2025 and March 2026.
Moyo Ngwathu’s intervention was made possible through the support of the Zikomo Foundation of Germany, which has been partnering with the Malawian NGO since 2023 to implement community development and hunger relief programs.
The Zikomo Foundation has pledged K55 million to sustain food support for 100 beneficiaries each month until March 2026.
In addition to food assistance, the foundation will provide farm inputs to 60 lead farmers in the area as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen local food security and resilience against drought.
During the handover ceremony, community members expressed deep appreciation for the timely support, describing it as a lifeline during one of the toughest hunger periods in recent years.
Speaking with emotion, Margaret Poko from Kakwatamoto Village said the donation would help save lives and ease the suffering of many elderly people who have struggled to find food.
“We are very thankful for the assistance. We have lost lives due to hunger. This donation will go a long way,” said Poko.
Moyo Ngwathu’s leadership emphasized that their work goes beyond providing relief—it is about restoring hope and dignity to communities in distress.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to standing with vulnerable households, ensuring that no one is left behind during this national crisis.
The Zikomo Foundation echoed this sentiment, stating that solidarity between local and international partners is key to overcoming Malawi’s food insecurity challenges.
Together, the two organizations have demonstrated that compassion and partnership can make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by drought.
Their continued collaboration not only brings immediate relief but also lays the foundation for a more food-secure and resilient Malawi.
