Category: News

A three-year agricultural project, spearheaded by OXFAM in collaboration with partners CADECOM and CICOD, Catholic Development Commission and Circle for Integrated Community Development respectively, has significantly transformed the lives of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, in Kasungu district.

The “Enhancing Access to Profitable and Inclusive Agriculture Markets for Small Holder Farmers in Kasungu District Project” has left behind a powerful legacy of increased yields, enhanced market access, and profound economic empowerment.

Evelyn Phonela, from the Chilinkhunda cooperative, says that the project has helped her become independent as they are now able to save and access markets more easily.

Evelyn has highlighted how the program empowered women with gender awareness training, enabling them to “stand up strong just like men do.”

She has proudly recounted purchasing a motorbike, a direct benefit from her increased earnings, and lauded the introduction of village banking, which has improved financial literacy and access to loans.

Alfred Banda, ADC Chairperson and a young farmer from Santhe EPA, explained how the initiative empowered young people to collaborate with successful agriculturalists.

Alfred says that the provision of warehouses through the project, has allowed them (farmers) to store produce and seek better markets for value-added goods.

He has noted how farming, previously seen as less stable, now provides vital income for school fees and other essentials for youth.

“The project has also equipped us with skills, and this will remain with us forever,” Alfred affirmed.

In her remarks, Director of Agriculture Environmental and Natural Resources in Kasungu district, Evelyn Chima, has emphasized the project’s enduring influence despite its conclusion.

“We don’t believe that it has come to an end, because the activities which they have been supporting the farmers are living,” Chima stated, referring to the lasting knowledge, improved techniques, and crucial infrastructure now in the hands of the farmers.

On the other hand, Madalitso Chilalire, the Acting Secretary for CADECOM, confirmed the project’s success in meeting its objectives, including the significant achievement of advocating for the Cooperatives Act, now approved by the cabinet.

He believes that this policy change will simplify cooperative registration and improve access to formal markets by empowering district councils.

The funding for this impactful initiative was generously provided by the Government of Flanders.

The Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Country Director Chisangalalo Ntonia has highlighted that Malawi is making slow progress in addressing children’s mental health issues, partly due to prevailing cultural practices.

Ntonia emphasized the urgent need for increased advocacy and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, to tackle this growing concern.

He made these remarks today, 12th June 2025 in Lilongwe during a Mental Health Workshop organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

“I can say we are making progress, but we are not yet there as a country,” Ntonia stated.

He has however highlighted the significant work still required to effectively address mental health challenges in children.

He says they plan to train teachers and other professionals on trauma and mental health to better equip them to support children facing such difficulties.

Meanwhile, Dr. Michael Udedi, Assistant Director of Curative Medical Rehabilitation Services in the Ministry of Health, revealed that a significant number of Malawians are grappling with mental health and psychosocial issues.

He pointed to an “aggravated situation of suicide,” evidenced by suicidal behaviors recorded between 2021 and 2025.

According to Dr. Udedi, Malawi registered 597 suicide cases between January and December 2024, mirroring the 597 cases recorded in 2023.

By Monica Chinyama Lipiya

A local non-governmental organization, Paradiso has launched an initiative to distribute Buffalo Bicycles to volunteers who travel long distances collecting tuberculosis (TB) samples.

The effort aimed to ease their transportation burden and boost the fight against TB in Malawi.

Paradiso’s Programs Manager, Limbani Mbetewa, stated in an interview that the organization plans to distribute 3,000 bicycles across various districts, including Zomba, Dedza, Dowa, and Lilongwe.

“Looking at the catchment area that these volunteers go around to disseminate information, we thought it wise that we should ease the challenge of mobility by giving them the bicycles,” said Mbetewa.

He added that the distribution will be carried out in phases, with an initial rollout of 250 bicycles currently underway.

Paradiso believes these bicycles will significantly support volunteers in their vital work, ultimately contributing to better TB control in the country.

By Monica Chinyama Lipiya

In a move aimed at improving financial accessibility for Malawians, Centenary Bank has launched the CenteValue and CenteFees in partnership with Airtel Money.

Speaking at the launch event on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 in Lilongwe, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso announced that the agreement will allow parents to pay school fees via Airtel Money for schools that hold Centenary Bank accounts and Airtel Money agents will be able to request value whenever needed.

Byekwaso highlighted that the initiative has the potential to reduce long queues at banks and save time for parents, who can now make payments from their homes.

“The product is helpful as it will save time and some inconveniences to our customers,” He said.”

In her remarks, Airtel Money Managing Director, Thokozani Kamkondo Sande, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing that Airtel Money is Malawi’s largest mobile financial service and remains committed to transforming lives economically.

She noted that education is key to national development, which is why Airtel Money saw value in partnering with Centenary Bank.

“Education is the key to any development in the country hence the partnership agreement,” She said.

Commenting on the development, Sister Valentine Gudyanga, a Bursar at St. John’s Catholic Secondary School, one of the institutions that hold accounts with Centenary Bank welcomed the initiative, noting that it will simplify transactions as payments will be processed instantly.

“This is simple, and it will ease our work as an institution,” she said.

By Peter Dumayo