28 Jan 2012

EFFECTS OF HEAVY RAINS IN THYOLO

In my previous posts, I wrote abou hte dry spell that was prevalent in the Southern part of Malawi. I also wrote about the break of the dry spell as we started having rains. This time round it has been the excess of the rains that has now badly affected most of the rural areas. From around the 19th January we go a warning from the Meorogical department about the impending Tropical Cyclone which would affect the southern part of Malawi.
To prove the met. people right, it started raining day and night such tha by Sunday 22nd reports started coming out of houses falling down, floods developing in most areas especiall the lower Shire.
As I write most villagers have lost their households, houses and worse still maize gardens have been washed away. Lucky are those that are employed by the estates as they are assured of shelter, income and if they are working for Satemwa then they are assured of two bags of maize courtesy of the Fair trade Joint Body Maize project - This season every employee is getting 2 bags at a subsidised price.
This is typical of effects of climate change: ie drought, floods etc
Thus we prayed for rains when the situation was becoming desparate - We got rains but more than we required - now people have no shelter and will not have enough food because of he same rains. What a scenario.
The future - People's hopes are now on whether the JB will come up with porjects to overcome these calamities.
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18 Jan 2012

''MORINGA'' THE MIRACLE TREE

An officer from Rosy World paid a visit with the purpose of meeting workers to sensitize them on a tree called Moringa. This tree is known as a miracle tree because its products and by-products if used well can play miracles to human bodies. Among other functions it can cure the following diseases: Hysteria, Anemia, Blood impurities, Blood pressure, Cholera, Glandular swelling, Stomach ulcers etc and above all does also boost the immune system.
The objective of this organisation is to distribute moringa seed for free so tha that each household has atleast a tree to get leaves and seed from. Rosy World may then come in and buy the seed or the leaves to make moringa powder, cppking oil and other products.
The most interesting side about this tree is that the poeder has worked wonders on HIV patients. The powder has been noted to regulate ARVs side effects the official assured us. Moringa products are also approved by both local and international nutritionists. This is yet to be discussed and see if the JB could get involved into as a project.
Sounds motivating.
Those who know how the Moringa Tree functions may give more info.
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