Over the years the Malawi Project has helped develop farm programs to facilitate the Malawi people increasing their food distribution, develop higher yields, create better storage, and expand their markets. In recent years Action for Progress, the sister organization to the Malawi Project, has picked up the in-country mantel of leadership and, working with the Malawi Project, has carried the program forward.
The current focus is to assist farmers during recent crop failures, famine, or other food shortages. Current shortages, due to two disastrous cyclones, as well as weather-related crop failures because of too much (and in some areas too little) rain later in the season. It is estimated well over 2 million people are in serious condition due to shortages, and this will grow much more serious between now and the time of harvest in April.
A recent food distribution took place, thanks to food shipments from Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk, NE and World Emergency Relief of San Dimas, CA. Shipping assistance was given by Gebende Haende in Germany.
During the distribution one of the 525 recipients on that day was David Mayakho, a resident of Kalumbi Village, northwest of the Capital City of Lilongwe. His father died when he was 6, and he lives with his mother. She cites the seriousness of their food and clothing shortage, as well as the other challenges she faces while trying to raise her children.
“Sometimes I wake up in the night crying, just thinking how and what I can feed my children. It hurts me to see them going to school with an empty stomach, then returning home to find there is still nothing to eat,”said Mayakho, David’s mother.
David is in form 6 and is doing well in school. His mother expressed appreciation that someone cared enough to send them food.