Design Outreach has supported 1 000 food-insecure households in Sub-Traditional Authority (ST/A) Nyanyala in Balaka District with food packages worth K52 million.
The donation follows a report from Balaka District Disaster and Risk Management Office indicating that at least 51 800 households are facing hunger due to prolonged dry spells in the 2023/24 growing season.
Speaking on Wednesday during the handover, Design Outreach operations manager Titus Nnensa called on other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to join the fight against hunger in the country.
“For people to thrive spiritually and contribute to the country’s development, it is essential to nourish their bodies. After witnessing their suffering, we sought assistance to provide them with the necessary support,” he said.
On her part, Balaka district disaster risk management assistant officer Ines Chawinga acknowledged the severe impact of the dry spell in the district.
ST/A Nyanyala said his subjects are surviving on mangoes and seasonal fruits such as masuku.
“Things have gone out of hand. This donation will go a long way in alleviating the hunger crisis we are experiencing,” he said.
Nyanyala further advised his subjects not to sell the food and also urged them to begin preparing their fields for the next growing season.
One of the beneficiaries, Margaret James, said the food items will prevent her four children from starving.
“I was surviving on piecework. I appeal to other well-wishers to help us with food,” she said.
The donated items included flour, maize, soya flour, cooking oil and soy pieces
