Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has distributed relief maize to 5 403 households in traditional authorities (T/As) Khombedza and Makanjira in Salima District.
The distribution, under the 2024/25 Lean Season Food-Insecurity Response, has started earlier than expected in the district due to the severity of the hunger situation.
According to Dodma’s schedule, the initiative was supposed to run from December to February 2025, targeting 37 750 food-insecure households in the district.
One of the beneficiaries, Rose Phiri, from Odala Village, T/A Khombedza, to curb malaria casessaid she did not harvest anything due to El Nino-induced dry spells.
“We do not have enough food at home. The maize will go a long way in alleviating hunger in my house for the next four months until we harvest in the next farming season,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Peter Chimchere, from T/A Khombedza, said his household has been struggling to get food.
“My six children were starving, but now we have something to eat. I will stop doing piecework for food and concentrate on my garden for the next growing season,” he said.
Salima district disaster risk management officer Gloria Chinangwa said for the next three months, families will be receiving a bag of maize monthly.
“So far the exercise is going on well as eligible households are receiving the maize,” she said.
Speaking on Sunday during an inspection of maize distribution exercise in the areas, Salima North West legislator Enock Phale commended government for the swift response.
He said he requested President Lazarus Chakwera to expedite the distribution exercise in the district during a whistle-stop at Siyasiya Trading Centre in his area.
“Barely a day after the request, at least 5 403 households have received the maize,” he said.
