Council sensitizes communities on Lean season response program

By Dalitso Kampira

The Thyolo District Council, through its Disaster Risk Management Office, has launched an initiative to sensitize communities on the Lean Season Response Program.

Participants during the sensitization meeting pic Dalitso Kampira

The program is aimed at preparing for food distribution to food-insecure families in the district.

Speaking on the initiative, Thyolo District Disaster Risk Management Officer, Cosmas Mangoka, said the effort is meant to promote accountability and transparency regarding the program.

“The purpose of the tour is to ensure that communities fully understand the essence of the program. Today, we visited 12 Traditional Authorities (T/As) and Sub-T/As, including Bvumbwe, Boidi, Nanseta, Ngolongoliwa, Chidothe, Mangazi, among others,” Mangoka said.

He added that the district currently has 70,000 households facing food insecurity, highlighting the need for urgent interventions, particularly in food distribution. The food distribution is set to take place between November 2024 and February 2025.

In a separate interview, Sub-T/A Mangazi expressed gratitude to the Disaster Office for organizing the meetings, noting that they will serve as a valuable guide throughout the implementation of the program.

"Let me thank the Disaster Office for this timely initiative. The meeting has equipped us with the knowledge on how to handle the distribution process when it begins," he said.

He also urged local communities and potential beneficiaries to make the best use of the food supplies to ensure they last through the lean season until the next growing period.

The sensitization meetings attracted participation from Council officials, Area Development Committees, Village Development Committees, Traditional Leaders, and the Area Risk Management Committee.