By Burnett Munthali
The Shire Valley Agricultural Development Division (SVADD) has raised concerns over the adverse effects of prolonged dry spells on agriculture in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts. According to Taurayi Francis Mlewah, Program Manager for SVADD, the situation has severely disrupted farming activities, leaving many households without adequate food supplies.
“Most farmers have not been able to plant their crops, and for those who did, crops such as sorghum and millet have failed to germinate,” Mlewah explained.
The area, already grappling with the aftereffects of last year’s El Niño, has seen a dramatic reduction in crop production. “El Niño led to a 30 percent drop in crop yields, and this year’s dry spells have only made matters worse. Over 50 percent of the 227,720 farming households in Nsanje and Chikwawa are now without food from their own production,” he added.
SVADD recently conducted a field supervision in the two districts, confirming the devastating impact of the dry spells, which persisted from October to mid-December. “The Shire Valley is naturally a dry region, and these prolonged dry spells have exacerbated the already dire situation,” said Mlewah.
Director of the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), Dr. Lucy Mtilatila, earlier assured the public that better rains are expected towards the end of December. This forecast has provided a glimmer of hope for farmers and residents in the affected areas.
The growing food insecurity in the Shire Valley highlights the urgent need for intervention. Local authorities and organizations are being called upon to support affected households through food aid and the introduction of drought-resistant crop varieties to mitigate future challenges.
As the country waits for improved rainfall, the plight of farmers in Nsanje and Chikwawa serves as a stark reminder of the critical role climate change plays in shaping Malawi’s agricultural and food security landscape.
