EU disburses funds for relief food in Mwanza
The European Union (EU) is set to disburse funds to food-insecure people in Mwanza District under its expanded Lean Season Response Programme.
The programme is targeting 1 858 households under the Social Cash Transfer Programme and 6 685 who are outside the programme.
Speaking on Tuesday at the launch of the Vertical Expansion Lean Season Response and Horizontal Expansion Lean Season Response in Mwanza, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza said social cash transfer beneficiaries will receive cash top-ups while those not under the programme that receive maize from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs will be given K200 000 once-off for four months.
with a beneficiary
“This cash is not meant for beers or polygamy, but to buy maize so that households should have food and even multiply the money through some investments,” she said.
In an interview, EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebachcommended the cordial relationship which exists between Malawi and the bloc, saying it will help to promote development initiatives in the country.
“EU is committed to ensuring that Malawians are alleviated from poverty through our partnership,” he said.
A social cash transfer beneficiary, Janet Sitiyanjana, 46, from Tchereni Village in group village head Mulongolora, commended the government for the initiative.
The mother of four said: “I did not harvest anything as dry spells affected my farm.
“The additional money will go a long way in alleviating the hunger challenges. I assure the government that I will use the money to buy food for my family.”
Last month, President Lazarus Chakwera declared 23 out of the country’s 28 districts as food-insecure following the El Nino weather phenomenon in the 2023/24 growing season.
The EU will implement the initiative in Mwanza, Neno, Zomba, Mulanje, Nsanje and Mzimba districts.
