Lilongwe, Malawi … In some parts of Malawi this year saw a better than average crop yield, while in others the recent famine continues into the present and the foreseeable future. Thanks to World Emergency Relief in California, and Universal Aide in Canada, two more shipments of much needed food or on the way to Malawi.
Taking advantage of lower maize prices, and in anticipation of the ongoing need to have food stocks remain high, Action for Progress was able to take advantage of reduced maize prices and increased availability, and stock up on the supply for distribution from the new supply center in hub. This will allow for an uninterrupted distribution of food in places where it is severely needed.
The grain is being stored in PICS (Purdue Improved Crop Storage) bags, the creation of affordable grain storage bags that are insect resistant, developed by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The PICS program has been funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The use of PICS bags help to reduce post-harvest losses.
The purchase of food locally was made possible by a contribution from Robert and Arla Gabrielse of Demotte, Indiana. The purchase of PICS bags was made possible by other contributors to the Malawi Project.