DoDMA boosts food aid efficiency with maize deliveries to eastern region

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has confirmed the arrival of relief maize at the Liwonde Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) depot as part of the 2024/25 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme (LS-FIRP).

The program aims to enhance distribution efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring timely support for communities in need.

DoDMA’s Director of Disaster Preparedness, Moses Chimphepo, emphasized the government’s commitment to making maize supplies accessible to vulnerable populations in the Eastern Region.

“We’ll begin with Mangochi because people in Balaka and Machinga have already started receiving maize. Mangochi is the remaining district in the Eastern Region, and by the end of this week, trucks will begin delivering maize there,” Chimphepo explained.

So far, 1,200 metric tons of maize have been transported via rail out of the expected 4,000 metric tons, with all deliveries expected to be completed by December.

Rail transport has been praised for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Daniel Zanda, Warehousing and Logistics Supervisor at Liwonde ADMARC, highlighted its benefits, saying, “One wagon carries 800 bags, or about 40 tons. Offloading 10 wagons delivers 400 metric tons at once, making it very efficient.”

Machinga District Commissioner Rodrick Mateauma expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that his district has been receiving maize since October.

“This initiative has come at the right time,” Mateauma said. “The maize will help us reach those we missed in October while also supporting November’s beneficiaries.”

The ongoing maize delivery underscores the government’s dedication to addressing food insecurity and providing timely support for vulnerable communities during the lean season.