The Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy ( CEPA) says it is committed to sensitizing the masses on the dangers of deforestation in the country .
This comes following the reported massive deforestation taking place in Michiru forest and Natural sanctuary in Blantyre .
The Organization’s Executive Director Herbert Mwalukomo said there is a need to contain the situation to protect the environment .
He further said such barbaric acts are dangerous as they cause natural disasters like cyclone freddy hence claiming many lives .
” It is dangerous if such plunder can continue and it is clear that clearing the forest put the lives of people at stake ” He said.
A survey conducted by CEPA has shown that almost 4 hectares of the forest have been destroyed following the massive Charcoal production at michiru forest.
CEPA has patterned with many other organizations on this sensitization campaign to ensure that people are safeguarding their surrounding environment.
Challenges such as inadequate access to inputs such as seed are said to have hindered the potential of cotton production in Malawi, as well as Southern Africa, making farmers shun growing the crop.
Department of Crop Development Deputy Director, Martin John Gausi, made the remarks in Salima on Tuesday during a field day on cotton seed multiplication.
He expressed concern that cotton production hactarage is going down as there are less farmers in the field, hence the need for partnerships so that farmers can access inputs at affordable prices.
“In the cotton sector, one of the challenges is availability of seed. Mostly, farmers access hybrid seed which is imported from India and is expensive. So the field day showcased alternative seed varieties such as OPV which farmers can also buy and grow the crop,” Gausi said.
He said in the uncertainty future of tobacco amid the global anti-smoking initiatives, cotton emerges promising to meet both local demand and contribute to export earnings.
Regional Head of Programmes for Solidaridad Southern Africa, Humprey Nxumalo concurred with Gausi, saying issues of access to seed is very crucial in as far cotton is concerned.
He said in order to increase production, his organisation has partnered with Cotton Council of Malawi, Masapa and Kvuno to establish seed that can be available to farmers at an affordable price.
Regional Operations Lead for Kvuno, Lydia Banda, described partnerships as important to enhance seed availability among smallholder farmers.
“Kvuno supports seed multiplication to ensure that farmers are accessing it at affordable prices as well providing alternative solutions to purchasing the seed such as loans and credit schemes,” she said.
The field day, which was held under the theme ‘Fair and Sustainable Cultivation of Cotton for all’ was done to celebrate OPV cotton varieties and demonstrate recommended agronomic practices.
On a chilly afternoon, Blantyre was abuzz with excitement as His Excellency, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi arrived in the City through Chileka International Airport.
While in the Southern Region, President Chakwera is expected to preside over pass – out parade at Limbe Police Training tomorrow on Friday.
Chakwera arriving in Blantyre
Citizens and onlookers gathered along the street right from the airport to the heart of the commercial capital to get a glimpse of the president.
Accompanied by First Lady of the Republic of Malawi Madam Monica Chakwera, the President was welcomed on arrival at Chileka International Airport by top government officials, Chiefs including party faithfuls.
Homeland Security Minister, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma has expressed his delight at the diplomatic relationship that exists between countries of Zimbabwe and Malawi.
The two countries have been in a sister relationship since the era of the founding fathers for the two nations, the late Kamuzu Banda and Robert Mugabe.
Speaking at Chileka Airport in Blantyre on Wednesday, 10th April 2024 when Ng’oma welcomed the Minister of Home Affairs for Zimbabwe, Kazembe Kazembe, he said the two countries have been supporting each other for the betterment of their people.
Hon Zikhale Ng’oma and Zimbabwe Counterpart Kazembe Kazembe
“Zimbabwe was very supportive when Malawi was hit by Cyclone Freddy. This is clear evidence of the cordial relationship between the two sister nations” Said Ng’oma.
Accompanied by some officials of the Zimbabwe Government including Deputy Commissioner General of Police, Kazembe Kazembe is in the country for official duties, and will among others witness the pass out of 1,300 Police Recruits who have finished their training from various Police Training School at a ceremony that will be held at Kanjedza Police Training School in Blantyre.
As the moon rises on this auspicious day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims around the world gather with joy and celebration to mark the end of Ramadan. But for those living in the war-torn region of Gaza, the festivities are overshadowed by the grim reality of conflict and loss.
The streets of Gaza, once bustling with the sounds of laughter and music, now echo with the cries of mourning and despair. The recent clashes between the terrorist group Hamas and Israel have left a trail of destruction and heartache in their wake, tearing families apart and shattering dreams.
In October last year, Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel, causing widespread panic and devastation. In the chaos that followed, hundreds of unarmed civilians were abducted and held hostage, their fate uncertain. The world watched in horror as innocent lives were taken, leaving behind a trail of sorrow and grief.
Eid el fitr
Israel, in response to the unprovoked attacks, vowed to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas once and for all. The ensuing conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides, with more than 33,000 Palestinians losing their lives, many of them women and children. Israel, too, has suffered casualties in the violence, further deepening the divide between the two warring factions.
The story of Eid al-Fitr in Gaza is a tale of tragedy and hope, of devastation and resilience. As families gather to break their fast and exchange gifts, they do so in the shadow of conflict, their celebrations muted by the sounds of gunfire and explosions. The usual joy and merriment of the festival are tinged with sadness and loss, as they mourn those who have been taken from them too soon.
But amidst the chaos and despair, there is also a glimmer of hope. In the midst of darkness, the spirit of unity and solidarity shines bright, as communities come together to support each other and offer solace in the face of adversity. The resilience of the human spirit prevails, as people find strength in each other and in their shared faith.
As the sun sets on this day of Eid al-Fitr, a sense of quiet determination settles over Gaza. The road to peace may be long and fraught with obstacles, but the people refuse to give up hope. They cling to the promise of a brighter tomorrow, where love and compassion will triumph over hate and violence.
So, as the world celebrates Eid al-Fitr, let us take a moment to remember the people of Gaza, who continue to endure unimaginable hardship with grace and courage. Let us stand with them in solidarity and hope, as they strive to rebuild their lives and their shattered dreams. And may the spirit of Eid al-Fitr remind us all of the power of love and compassion in the face of adversity. Eid Mubarak.
