Linda Ward Foundation has distributed 70 bags of fertiliser worth K7.2 million to 35 caregivers and volunteers around Kamteteka in Traditional Authority (T/A) M’Mbelwa in Mzimba District.
Speaking on Sunday during the distribution, Linda Ward, the organisation’s founder, said the gesture meant to appreciate the good work the caregivers and volunteers do in the community.
She said: “We understand that fertiliser prices have gone up in the country and it is hard for a caregiver to buy because they work for free.
“These caregivers work in six community-based childcare centres [CBCCs] around Kamteteka. The volunteers also work with us in our different programmes, including at the heath facility; hence, the decision to help them with fertiliser.”
On his part, the foundation’s director Dinnary Kankhuni said they plan to expand the initiative to more vulnerable people in the area.
Mjinge Extension Planning Area (EPA) agriculture extension development officer Patuma Phiri hailed the donation, saying the fertiliser will enable people to get bumper yields.
“Many people are failing to harvest enough maize to feed their households because fertiliser prices are too exorbitant on the market. Therefore, this is a big boost for local farmers to achieve food security,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Costas Nyirongo, a caregiver from Geoffrey Nursery School, said she will now be able to grow maize this growing season.
“This is a good start-up for us and with the two bags of fertiliser, I expect to harvest 13 bags of maize from my piece of land,” she said.
Group village head Kamteteka also welcomed the intervention, but asked the charity to extend the relief to other vulnerable households.
The foundation is championing interventions in health, education, agriculture, sports and gender-based violence in Mzimba District
