Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has praised the Titukulane Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) project for its outstanding contributions to promoting resilient agriculture, reducing vulnerability to shocks, and ensuring sustainable natural resource management in the country.
Speaking at the Closeout and Learning event held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Dr. Usi commended the project’s collaborative approach with donor partners, which has helped achieve the development goals of Titukulane and realization of Agenda 2063.
Usi
He said the Titukulane project has demonstrated a significant shift from reactive to proactive environmental conservation approaches.
Country Director for CARE International Malawi, Pamela Kuwali, noted that over 600 Malawians, particularly women and girls, have benefited from the project since 2019.
She said the project’s primary goal was to achieve sustainable, equitable, and resilient food and nutrition security for ultra-poor and chronically vulnerable households in Mangochi and Zomba districts.
The five-year project, initiated in 2019, was funded by USAID with a budget of US$75 million.
CARE International Malawi implemented the project in partnership with Emmanuel International, IFPRI, NASFAM, Save the Children, and WaterAid.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change on Tuesday launched the National E-Waste Management Policy at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, marking a significant milestone in Malawi’s journey towards effective electronic and electrical waste management.
The launch, presided over by Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, coincided with the commemoration of International E-Waste Day, held under the theme ‘Join the E-Waste Hunt: Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive’
The five-year policy aims to establish an efficient e-waste collection and recycling system, raise public awareness, and enforce regulations for safe disposal practices.
In his speech,Usi emphasized the policy’s crucial role in creating a sustainable e-waste management framework, urging stakeholders to collaborate in turning challenges into opportunities.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Board Chairperson Bridget Chibwana pledged MACRA’s support in implementing the policy, highlighting its importance for environmental protection and innovation.
“This policy is a significant step towards addressing the growing e-waste challenge in Malawi,” she said.
The National E-Waste Management Policy is aligned with Malawi’s Vision 2063, which emphasizes the need for sustainable development and environmental protection.
The policy’s implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, human health, and the economy.
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, has called on citizens to join forces in tackling the escalating electronic waste (E-Waste) crisis in the country.
Dr. Usi made the appeal during the commemoration of International E-Waste Day on Tuesday, where he also launched the National E-Waste Management Policy at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Addressing the gathering under the theme “Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive!”, the Vice President stressed the need for collective action in E-Waste management.
Dr Michael Usi
“We must work together to retrieve unused electronic devices, recycle them responsibly, and revive valuable resources. This is not just about reducing E-Waste, but also about reusing and repurposing materials to support a circular economy,” he said.
On her part, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Board Chairperson, Bridget Chibwana, highlighted the challenges Malawi faces in managing electronic waste, warning of the environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal.
“As the policy takes effect, MACRA will develop regulations and technical standards, implement type approval for telecom equipment, strengthen E-Waste management frameworks, and promote public awareness through education initiatives,” she said.
Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula, described the National E-Waste Management Policy as a critical framework for all stakeholders.
He said:”Our Constitution requires us to protect the welfare of our people and the environment for future generations.
“This policy aligns with the Malawi 2063 vision for environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.”
The event marked a significant step towards addressing the growing E-Waste crisis Malawi, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices for the country’s future.
You can hate him or love him but Dan Lu has over the years mastered the art of political songs that tend to become party anthems.
Dan Lu is taking over from the late Lucius ‘Soldier’ Banda who gave the nation hits like ‘Yellow’ which is regarded as one of the top campaign songs ever sung.
For those in the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), they loathe him for leaving when they were down and out but they remember he gave them the political campaign tool that was ‘Lozani Zanu’ among a slew of other songs.
Dan Lu
His defection to the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) left a better-sweet taste even for fans who chided him for being a greedy, unloyal, political pawn; non the less his music capabilities have not waned.
Dan Lu’s latest song which came out on Tuesday titled ‘Ndilomweli’ takes off the popular political phrase that is trending in the country (Boma ndilomweli) and it promises to be a hit song for those in MCP camp.
‘Ndilomweli’ goes off on the opposition block saying they were tried and tested and failed to deliver and have nothing to offer.
It emphasizes MCP is the government and there will be no change.
Dan Lu claims the solution of the problems the country is facing are with MCP and the opposition will remain put where they are.
The sing along parts take most of the minutes on the 3.44 song and just a few lines as verses.
The song promises to make a good campaign songfor MCP leaving the rest of the party’s without a proper anthem to go against it.
Solidaridad, in partnership with the Cotton Development Trust, and the Cotton Board of Zambia, is proud to announce the launch of the Harmonized Cotton Extension Manual, an innovative tool designed to address the challenges small-scale cotton farmers face due to fragmented and inconsistent extension services. This ground breaking initiative is a key component of the RECLAIM Sustainability! (RS!) Cotton and P2P Cotton Project, spearheaded by Solidaridad.
The manual, developed collaboratively by a team of technical experts under the Cotton Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP), standardizes extension guidelines and practices for extension officers and lead farmers. It also incorporates a companion Farmer Guide – which is drafted in layman’s terms for easy understanding of practical good agricultural practices – to ensure accessibility and applicability for farmers across Zambia’s cotton production areas.
“For years, the cotton sector has grappled with inconsistent messaging, which has hindered farmers from reaching their full potential. The Harmonized Cotton Extension Manual addresses this by providing unified, evidence-based guidance that will undoubtedly enhance productivity and sustainability across Zambia’s cotton landscape,” said Pamidzai Bota, Solidaridad’s Regional Programme Manager for RS! Cotton and Textile.
The cotton sector in Zambia, which supports over 220,000 smallholder farmers, plays a vital role in the country’s economy. Despite its potential, many farmers achieve yields far below optimal levels due to poor farming practices and limited access to quality support services.
“This manual is more than a document; it is a bridge connecting knowledge to action. By harmonizing extension practices, we ensure that all farmers, regardless of their location, have access to consistent and effective guidance. This is a pivotal moment for Zambia’s cotton sector,” said Humprey Nxumalo, Head of Programmes, Solidaridad Southern Africa.
The Cotton Development Trust, a critical partner in this initiative, reiterated its commitment to empowering farmers through the development of cotton farming technologies as well as providing extensions to increase their productivity.
Lwisya Silwimba, Director of the Cotton Development Trust, remarked: “This collaborative effort showcases the strength of partnerships in driving sector-wide improvements. The manual’s standardized approach ensures that extension officers and farmers alike are equipped with the tools and knowledge to transform Zambia’s cotton sector.”
Sunduzwayo Banda, Chief Executive Officer of the Cotton Board of Zambia, noted that despite production challenges, cotton is steadily gaining momentum in Zambia. “During the recent Cotton Day celebrations, we saw over 2,020 participants join us to celebrate the occasion. The book being launched today is designed with the farmer at its core. It simplifies processes step-by-step, from zero to 100, to minimize confusion and make things easier for our farmers,” he explained.
In closing, Dr Chizumba Shepande, Director – Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture (Zambia) described the launch of the Harmonized Extension Manual and Farmer’s Cotton Guide as “a significant milestone in Zambia’s cotton sector.” He added that cotton is not just a crop, but a livelihood for thousands of families and a pillar of the nation’s rural economies.
“By adopting the methods and practices outlined in this manual and guide, we can achieve higher yields, doubling and even tripling productivity through improved agronomic practices. [We can also achieve] enhanced quality – producing cotton that meets international standards, thereby increasing market competitiveness [and] sustainability – promoting environmentally friendly practices that preserve our soil and ecosystems for future generations,” concluded Dr Shepande.
The launch event in Lusaka was attended by key stakeholders from the agricultural sector, including government officials, private sector representatives, and farmer leaders. Demonstrations of the manual’s practical applications were a highlight, illustrating how it will be implemented in the field to improve yields and livelihoods.
The Harmonized Cotton Extension Manual embodies Solidaridad’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers through sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions.
