EMPOWERING MALAWI'S NSANJE DISTRICT: RESTORING LIVELIHOODS AND FOSTERING RESILIENCE AMIDST RECURRING FLOODS

by: Chikumbutso Gasper Willard - 25|08|2023

Magoti Hatchery member inspecting the incubator

The recurring incidence of numerous floods in Malawi, particularly within Nsanje District, focusing on Traditional Authority Mbenje, severely impacts livelihoods. Many individuals suffer losses in their businesses and other sources of income, hampering their ability to support their families.

To help restore these livelihoods, the Foundation for Active Civic Education-FACE, in partnership with All We Can and Y Care International, have undertaken diverse interventions. These interventions encompass beekeeping, goat farming, and quill farming, aligning with aspirations that contribute to the realization of Malawi's 2063 agenda.

In Khembo village, situated in T/A Mbenje, a proposal emerged for a livelihood support project centered around quill farming. However, a challenge arose concerning the absence of an incubator for hatching quill eggs. Consequently, there was a requirement to supply the community with an incubator. Furthermore, due to persistent power blackouts, FACE and its partners procured a solar system to provide the necessary support to the incubator during power outages.

On August 24, 2023, FACE orchestrated a handover ceremony, delivering the incubator and solar system equipment to Magoti Hatchery Club. The aim was to alleviate the challenges faced by the community.

FACE project officer Costa Nkhani before the incubator handover ceremony

During the event, Paul Jere, FACE's Programs Manager, spoke on behalf of the Executive Director. He highlighted that this intervention is groundbreaking in Nsanje District and offers a solution to the interconnected problems of food insecurity and malnutrition. Jere urged the community to responsibly maintain the equipment to ensure its longevity and to reap benefits that would aid in developing climate change resilience and adaptation strategies.

In their motivating speeches, Acting Traditional Authority Mbenje and ADC Chairperson, Edward Banda, commended FACE, All We Can, and Y Care International as caring, attentive, and dedicated partners. He added that these organizations provide vital support to the community with the overarching goal of transforming the lives of Traditional Authority Mbenje's residents in Nsanje District.

This historic event, held at Magoti Extension Planning Area (EPA), enjoyed the presence of Acting Traditional Authority Mbenje, government officials, ADC Chairperson, and community members.

The intervention falls under the Sustainable Integrated Project, executed by FACE and financially backed by All We Can and Y Care International. Its scope encompasses the catchment area of Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje District, Malawi.