By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Dr Jane Ansah, formally known as Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC, JA. (Retired), has intensified the government’s push for food self-reliance, delivering strong messages in both Nsanje and Chikwawa as she led Lean Season Response activities aimed at supporting communities affected by hunger.
In Nsanje, she stressed that the food distribution programme is a crucial lifeline designed to cushion households facing severe shortages during the lean period.
She reminded communities that meaningful development cannot take root at family, community, or national level when people lack access to adequate food.
Dr Ansah explained that the 2024/2025 farming season was heavily disrupted by the La Niña weather pattern, which brought delayed rains, erratic showers, and prolonged dry spells that destroyed crops in many areas.
She added that the situation was further worsened by destructive pests, ongoing economic challenges, and the rising cost of essential commodities, all of which have deepened food insecurity across the country.
Referencing the latest Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report, she pointed out that more than four million Malawians are projected to face food insecurity between October 2025 and March 2026.
Dr Ansah highlighted that in response to these alarming projections, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika declared food insecurity in all districts, paving the way for widespread food assistance interventions.
She expressed gratitude to development partners and friendly nations whose contributions have ensured the timely rollout of the Lean Season Response Programme and also commended district councils for managing smooth distribution exercises.
Later in Chikwawa, the Vice President delivered a similar call for unity and collective action, emphasising that food security is central to sustainable development and urging communities to embrace modern, climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce dependence on rainfall.
In her closing message, she encouraged beneficiaries in both districts to use relief maize responsibly and to report fraud or misuse of supplies, assuring the public that all acts of corruption will be met with legal consequences.
