BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Vice President Dr Jane Ansah spearheaded the Lean Season Response Programme in Chikwawa, urging unity and collective commitment in the fight against hunger.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ansah described the food distribution initiative as a critical intervention designed to support households grappling with severe food shortages during the lean period.

She emphasized that sustainable development at family, community, or national level is impossible without sufficient food.

Dr Ansah explained that the 2024/2025 farming season was severely affected by the La Niña weather pattern, which delayed rainfall, caused erratic showers, and left some areas parched, leading to widespread crop failure.

She added that crop-destroying pests, economic hardships, and rising commodity prices further aggravated food insecurity for many Malawians.

Citing the latest Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report, Dr Ansah noted that over four million people are at risk of food insecurity between October 2025 and March 2026.

Highlighting government interventions, she said that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika declared food insecurity across all districts, necessitating food assistance throughout the country.

She thanked development partners and supporting nations for enabling the timely rollout of the programme and praised district councils for ensuring smooth distribution.

Dr Ansah encouraged communities to adopt modern, climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce reliance on rainfall to secure long-term food stability.

In closing, she urged beneficiaries to use the maize responsibly and report any misuse or fraud, assuring them that legal action would be taken against all acts of corruption.

The Maravi Post