By Chisomo Phiri
The lean season response of maize distribution has begun earlier than expected in Salima district, a move that has been widely commended.
The swift response is expected to bring relief to many households struggling with hunger.
During an inspection of maize distribution in the areas of Senior Chiefs Makanjira and Khombedza on Sunday, Member of Parliament(MP) for Salima North West, Enock Phale, praised the government for its prompt action, describing it as timely.
Just a day after Phale requested that maize distribution be expedited due to worsening hunger, 5,403 households began receiving maize.
Phale emphasized the importance of this relief, stating that it will enable citizens to be productive.
He also urged beneficiaries not to sell the relief maize and avoid food wastage to ensure they receive another bag of maize in the next phase.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Salima, Gloria Chinangwa, noted that maize distribution was initially scheduled to start in December but has begun earlier.
“For the next three months, families will receive a bag of maize monthly under the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee response. So far, the exercise is going well, with no challenges encountered, and eligible households receiving the maize,” she said.
Rose Phiri, a beneficiary from Odala village in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza, expressed gratitude for the support.
“We did not harvest well due to El Nino, and food is scarce at home. This bag of maize will alleviate hunger in my household for the next four months until the next farming season,” she said.
In total, 37,750 households from Salima district will receive a bag of maize monthly for the next three months until February 2025.
