Korean charity Common Ground Foundation has pledged long-term support to help Malawian communities build self-sustaining livelihoods and reduce dependence on aid.
The pledge was made on Sunday when the organisation distributed maize to 800 vulnerable households in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiseka in Lilongwe, whose crops were affected by prolonged dry spells during the 2025 farming season.
Speaking during the distribution, Common Ground Foundation board director Jaeyoung Lee said the initiative marks the beginning of broader development efforts to strengthen rural economies.
“We want to help African nations, including Malawi, build self-sustaining communities so that they will not depend on aid, but stand strong and healthy,” he said.
The maize distribution is part of a K267.4 million programme expected to reach about 4 800 households in the district, including beneficiaries in T/As Chimutu, Chiseka and Kalolo and sub-T/A Chingala.
Lee said beyond emergency relief, the foundation plans to introduce initiatives to strengthen livelihoods, including support for farming, manufacturing and construction projects as well as education and leadership training programmes for churches and communities.
Lilongwe District Council chairperson Sekerani Kansikiri described the assistance as timely, saying many families in the district are struggling with food shortages following poor harvests last year.
“This intervention is commendable. I appeal to the government and other well-wishers to also support communities as we wait for this season’s harvest,” he said.
A beneficiary, Angela Gustoni, said the 50 kilogramme bag of maize she received would help her six-member household to cope with food shortages.
Malawi continues to face widespread food insecurity, with about four million people experiencing crisis levels of hunger during the lean season, according to the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report.
