The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has announced that it will disburse K730 million to households in Nkhata Bay district as part of the Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme.
According to DoDMA’s Director of Disaster Preparedness, Moses Chimphepo, the cash transfers will benefit 10,494 households in the district, with each household receiving K70,000.
“The Social Cash Transfer modality is an effective way to support households affected by hunger. Instead of distributing bags of maize, we are providing beneficiaries with cash, which will enable them to buy essential items and have something at hand,” said Chimphepo.
Beneficiaries in Nkhata Bay received a 50-kilogram bag of maize in December 2024, and again in February this year. The e-cash transfers are expected to follow, although an exact start date has not been announced.
District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay Rodgers Newa welcomed the initiative, saying it would help alleviate hunger and poverty in the district.
“Let me commend DoDMA for this approach. Be assured that we will smoothly carry out the exercise according to your expectation and frameworks, building upon a number of cash disbursement programs that we already have in the district,” said Newa.
The cash transfers are part of a broader response programme aimed at supporting households affected by food insecurity across the country.
The programme is expected to benefit over 5.7 million Malawians who are in need of food aid during the lean season.
