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Kawale touts Agriculture as benchmark of Malawi economy

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Kawale touts Agriculture as benchmark of Malawi economy

By Linda Kwanjana

Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale says Agriculture remains key component of Malawi economy ang a key towards attainment on Agenda 2063.

Speaking  during the Malawi Agriculture Investment Forum held at BICC in Lilongwe Kawale said agriculture sector remains critical to achieving the Malawi we want as stipulated in the national vision, the Malawi 2063 (MW2063).

He said this is consistent with the National Agriculture Policy (NAP) and the National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP), which seeks to transform and commercialize the agriculture sector to achieve food, nutrition and income security.

“That is why it is important to have good collaboration between the government and the private sector, ” he said.

He said Government emphasize on collaboration to empower agriculture sector.

Kawale  said  it is important to have good collaboration between government and the private sector as one way to empower agriculture sector players in order to attract sector investment and explore opportunities.

Kawale said  this collaboration will help the  country to explore opportunities for capital investments in various value chains developed under Hand in Hand Initiative (HiHi).

“The Hand in Hand Initiative has provided Malawi with an opportunity to map out investment options. The ministry has developed investment proposals on rice, banana, dairy, fisheries and aquaculture value chains following a comprehensive analysis and consultative process in all the three regions of the country,” Kawale said.

He said the Ministry recognize that for a successful implementation of the initiative, there is a need for everyone to take a leading role in mobilizing resources and providing technical support so that the country should move to a wealthy and self-reliant nation.

“This investment forum is critical to transforming the Agriculture sector as we answer how to boost the sector’s contribution to economic growth. In searching for solutions, we have always sought answers from various stakeholders to make suitable investment,” the minister added.

He therefore urged Malawians to continue with the commitment which has been shown so far by being part of the team to transform the agriculture sector.

The minister also acknowledged Malawi Investment Trade Center (MITC), for honoring a call that was made to them to organize such an event and he also extend sincere thanks to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for the technical support rendered to this cause.

President Chakwera receive rare praise from Parliamentarians – the case of Zomba Malosa

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President Chakwera receive rare praise from Parliamentarians – the case of Zomba Malosa

By Linda Kwanjana

President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has been branded as a man who has vision and focus towards the development of this country.

Independent  Member of Parliament for
Zomba Changalume  Biswick Million said this on Thursday 15th February 2024 when he rose and respond to State of the nation address.

For long time , opposition political parties have been targeting Chakwera blaming him of doing nothing. But yesterday the situation was different.

Million



But Million took to swipe on such people saying there its time people should be able to  give President Lazarus Chakwera more time of fulfilling his promises, saying even Members of Parliament themselves have not yet met the promises they made to constituents during campaign.

“On the onset let me thank the President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera for accepting the pains which Malawians are facing in his SONA. It takes a man with a bold heart to acclaim when things are not okay, and that’s the first sign that you are ready to face it and deal with it. Acceptance is a key to greater achievements” Said Zomba Changalume legislator in preamble to his contribution to the SONA.

Quoting the scripture from the book of John, Chapter 2:9-10, Million told the House that the country has some characters which just focus on negative things, forgetting good things that someone has done for them.

Million said , there are a lot of good things that can be mentioned, endless lists that have happened to our constituencies through the President of this nation.

“All of us here are elected Members of Parliament and we made promises to our voters in our various constituencies, but if you ask each one of us, we have not yet finished all the promises we made.
We are still asking for more time for things to happen. Why can’t we come with the same mind and motive that we should support the President to make sure that this nation achieves each and every plan which the President has put in, because we have got one Malawi, we have got one nation that we all depend on” said Million

Million urged Malawians to join hands and support such leader for more meaningful developments to take place.

Million has since hailed Government all developments taking place in his area such as  Namadidi, Swaswa, and Mayela schools  built  through EQUALS Project, 38 meters bridge, just to mention afew.

In his conclusion Million made a strong appeal to all well wishing Malawians to come out in their large number to and support President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera so that he is able to complete all his development plants.

Recently, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Parliament from Mwanza , Joyce Chitsulo pledged to support Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera saying she will not meddle into politics but rather development.

She cited developments which have already taken place in her area. Contributing to Sona, Chitsulo hit at Chakwera critics saying they are enemies of development.

Rebuilding communities: Thyolo district council prioritises development projects

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Rebuilding communities: Thyolo district council prioritises development projects

By: Twink Jones Gadama

Thyolo District Council is gearing up for a transformational year ahead as they prioritize the completion of vital Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in their estimated K31.2 billion budget for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. With a focus on improving infrastructure and services for their communities, the council is aiming to make significant progress in areas such as borehole drilling, health facility rehabilitation, and other District Development Fund (DDF) initiatives.

According to George Matiya, the council’s vice finance chairperson, approximately K2.5 billion has been allocated towards these development projects. This investment will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also stimulate economic growth and development in the region. Matiya emphasized the importance of completing these unfinished projects to ensure that the communities can fully benefit from the resources allocated to them.

In addition to the infrastructure projects, the council is also focusing on generating revenue from various sources. Matiya stated that they anticipate generating around K265 million from market establishments, fees, and service charges, which represents 0.9 percent of their total budget. This shows a commitment to maximizing resources and exploring innovative ways to fund essential projects that will benefit the residents of Thyolo.

District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga expressed his optimism about the upcoming fiscal year, noting that the council’s prudent utilization of the budget will lead to significant improvements in the communities. With a clear focus on accountability and transparency, Kuphanga believes that the council will be able to make a lasting impact on the lives of the residents of Thyolo.

One of the key priorities for the council is to address the pressing need for clean and accessible water sources. Borehole drilling projects will provide communities with a reliable source of water, improving health and sanitation conditions. Additionally, health facility rehabilitation will ensure that residents have access to quality healthcare services, ultimately leading to a healthier population.

The council’s commitment to completing the unfinished CDF projects demonstrates their dedication to creating lasting change in Thyolo. By actively engaging with community members and seeking input on their needs and priorities, the council is ensuring that the projects undertaken align with the aspirations of the residents.

As Thyolo District Council embarks on this ambitious journey to transform their communities, they are setting a positive example for other districts in Malawi. Through effective budget management, strategic investments, and a focus on community-driven development, Thyolo is poised to make significant strides in improving the lives of its residents.

In conclusion, the upcoming fiscal year represents a pivotal moment for Thyolo District Council as they prioritize development projects that will have a lasting impact on their communities. With a clear vision and a commitment to accountability, the council is well-positioned to bring about positive change and create a brighter future for the residents of Thyolo.

Primary school teachers’ qualifications to be upgraded

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Primary school teachers’ qualifications to be upgraded

By George Bulombola

The Ministry of Education, through its Teacher Education and Development Reform area, intends to upgrade teachers’ qualifications from the Initial Primary Teacher Education (IPTE) certificate to diploma and above as one way of motivating primary school teachers.

The Ministry of Education Director of Teacher Education and Development, Dr. Zizwa Msukuma, made the remarks in Mzuzu on Wednesday when he opened a 10-day school leadership training for head teachers, deputy head teachers, female section heads, teachers and primary education advisors (PEAs) from Mzimba North.

Dr Zizwa Msukuma

Msukuma said that currently, teachers are awarded IPTE certificates after finishing their studies at teacher training colleges, and their entry point into the ministry is Grade L.

“Grade L is a very low grade in the civil service, and chances for them to be promoted to higher grades are very slim because of their low qualifications.

“We hope that, with the planned introduction of diplomas and above qualifications, teachers will be motivated and promoted, hence improving basic education performance in the country,” said Msukuma.

He said teachers are supposed to have leadership knowledge and skills for better management of their schools, hence the training, as most of the teachers in leadership positions assumed their roles without any training.

“Lack of knowledge in leadership roles, among other factors, impacts negatively on schools’ performance,” said Msukuma.

Chief Education Officer for Mzimba North, Jessy Kapombe, said most teachers in leadership positions are appointed or recommended by the PEA without undergoing any formal orientation on their roles.

“I, therefore, hope that by the end of this training, teachers will come up with realistic and relevant school action plans that can go a long way in improving learning and teaching at their schools,” said Kapombe.

PEA for Lusangazi Education Zone, Elisha Nyirenda, described the training as beneficial to his role as zone manager.

“As a PEA, I need to have knowledge, skills and guidance so that I handle schools, teachers, learners and other primary school education related issues competently,” said Nyirenda.

CCJP wants more women’s participation in politics

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CCJP wants more women’s participation in politics

By Wanangwa Tembo

Programmes Manager for the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Mwai Sandram, says there is a need to invest more in interventions that seek to promote women’s participation in politics if the country is to register meaningful female representation in elected positions.

He was speaking in Kasungu on Wednesday when the Good Governance Campaigner unveiled a K170 million project meant to increase women’s participation in elections.

Sandram noted that it is worrisome that, despite more women than men turning out to register and vote, very few show interest in contesting for positions.

Mwai Sandram



He said: “Given the low numbers of female candidates, the low numbers of women elected is not and should not be surprising.
Very few women show interest in contesting due to several factors.”

“We talk of economic, cultural and ethnic factors, a lack of affirmative action, intra-party inclusivity and other retrogressive practices. So, we have come up with this project to ensure that we create interest and space for more women players in the coming elections.”

He said women’s ability to make meaningful impact in male-dominated councils and parliament will always be limited unless their representation reaches a minimum of 30 percent to enable them to have a collective voice.
 
Chairperson for Kasungu Civil Society Network, Braxton Banda, said the project has come at the right time when all countries are fighting to increase women’s representation in decision-making institutions.

“Representation is very key in influencing decision-making. That is why we welcome this initiative, as it will ensure that more women get interested and contest the elections.

“We understand our politics is heavily commercialised such that women find it difficult to join the race due to financial restraints to sustain the campaign that is dominated by handouts,” Banda said.

He appealed to civil society institutions to help clear the way for more women’s participation by challenging the vices that oppress and disadvantage female candidates during elections. 

Funded by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project will be piloted in the newly created Kasungu South West Constituency before spreading to other areas.

Out of the 193 Members of Parliament in the country, only 44 are women, representing 23 percent, and only 15 percent of the councillors are female.

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