In an effort to reduce long travel distances for both farmers and consumers seeking maize in the Machinga Likwenu area, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka has offered his family home to be used as a temporary selling point for fertilizer and maize.
Speaking at his residence in Machinga District, where he distributed maize flour to vulnerable households, the elderly, and those recently affected by storms and heavy winds, Msaka said the initiative aims to ease the pressure on communities already struggling with food shortages.
The minister noted that most selling points for maize and fertilizer are located far from many villages, forcing people to spend more on transport than on the commodities themselves. He explained that this burdens poor households, making it difficult for them to access essential supplies.
Msaka emphasized that, for this reason, he has opened his home to serve as a more accessible market. He said the decision aligns with efforts to ensure that people in remote areas do not continue suffering simply because services are too far from their communities.
He also assured the residents gathered at his home that the government remains committed to distributing maize as an emergency response to hunger. Msaka said the food relief is intended to save lives as many families continue facing acute shortages.
During the event, hundreds of community members received maize flour, with many expressing gratitude for the support at a time when hunger is tightening its grip on the region.
Among the beneficiaries was Jamiya Mpita from Chimanga Village under Senior Chief Sitola. Mpita said she was delighted with the assistance, stressing that it would significantly ease the hunger situation affecting her household.
She added that such interventions are timely and necessary, considering the worsening food crisis in Machinga and surrounding areas.
