Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has emarked on a food distribution exercise to the people of Chitipa District in order to alleviate hunger during the lean season.
DoDMA Commissioner Charles Kalemba, said during the launch of the distribution exercise at Kasisi Village in the area of Senior Chief Mwabulambya in the district on Friday that the exercise will run from January to February, 2024.
“Several households in this district are food insecure following prolonged dry spell and stormy weather which affected agriculture activities in the just ended year,” said Kalemba.
He said the intervention will help people have food during the lean period so that they can concentrate on working in their fields instead of going for casual labour.
Kalemba suggested to Chitipa District Council officials to consider investing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in irrigation farming to enhance food security in the district.
The Commissioner urged traditional leaders to advise people against wanton cutting down of trees for charcoal, among others, in a bid to promote environmental conservation, thereby leading to reduced natural disasters.
Director of Administration for Chitipa District Council, Clement Gonthi applauded DoDMA for the food distribution initiative in the district and the country as a whole.
“People will have something to consume during the lean season. Children will concentrate in school with limited absenteeism, thereby promoting quality education,” Gonthi said.
One of the beneficiaries of the initiative, Hanna Malanga of Kafora Village said the 50 kilogram bag of maize which she received will go a long way in serving her family.
At least 26,000 households in Chitipa are expected to benefit from the programe from January to February, 2024.
