By Burnett Munthali
BALAKA – Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) is set to support at least 1,700 households in the Balaka district, specifically in the areas of Traditional Authority Nkaya, Sub-Traditional Authority Mgomwa, and Mphimbi, through the EL-Niño Emergency Response Project. This initiative aims to address the impact of severe weather patterns that have threatened food security and livelihoods in the region.
The project, supported by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, will be launched this month and will provide essential cash transfers to vulnerable households affected by the El Niño climate phenomenon. Speaking during a District Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday, CARD’s Project Coordinator Harlex Chimutu emphasized the organization’s commitment to assisting communities facing severe hardship due to unpredictable weather patterns.
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“Each household will receive a cash transfer amounting to about K90,000 per month for five months,” said Chimutu, highlighting the organization’s plan to directly support local families during this challenging period. These funds are intended to help families meet their immediate needs, particularly food and essential household supplies, as they navigate the consequences of prolonged drought conditions.
The El Niño Emergency Response Project comes at a crucial time for Balaka, where many residents rely on farming and other climate-dependent livelihoods. With drought and dry spells affecting crop production, families have found themselves in increasingly precarious situations, struggling to access basic necessities.
CARD’s initiative is expected to alleviate some of these challenges by providing financial support that allows families greater flexibility to prioritize their needs. This project also underscores CARD’s longstanding dedication to supporting Malawian communities affected by natural disasters, working to ensure that vulnerable households can sustain themselves in times of crisis.
The cash transfer model, favored for its ability to empower recipients with choice and autonomy, is part of CARD’s strategy to promote dignity and agency among those it assists. With the Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s support, this initiative aims not only to alleviate immediate suffering but also to contribute to the resilience of Balaka’s communities in the face of ongoing climate threats.
