Churches Action in Relief and Development (Card) in partnership with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (Jica) has empowered refugees at Dzaleka Camp and Malawians from surrounding communities in Dowa in various initiatives to generate income.

Speaking on Friday during a tour of the project at Dzaleka, head of economy and development cooperation at the Japanese Embassy Shima Naoyuki said he was impressed with the project.

“I am impressed with what the project has achieved since 2019. The project seeks to uplift refugees and local Malawians from abject poverty and dependency syndrome,” he said.

A farmer working on his garden in Dowa

Card project manager Mavuto Simbi said Dzaleka Livelihood Project comprises three interventions that seek to empower refugees and local Malawians financially.

“The project comprises crop production through integrated irrigation schemes and rain-fed agriculture, livestock production as well as enterprise development,” he said.

Alice Chikumanje, a Malawian benefitting from the project, said she is now financially independent.

“The project has created financial stability which has enhanced co-existence with the refugees. I am also able to take care of my six children through farming,” she said.

The interventions are being funded by the Japanese Government to the tune of K200 million.

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