Ambassador's Self Help Fund makes a difference

Ambassador Alan Eastham on June 26 handed over a Cassava Flour Production Project to Nankhaka Cassava Club in Lilongwe.  In September 2005, Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund granted the project $4100 to purchase a cassava chipper, an impulse sealer, plastic drums, building materials for a warehouse and drying racks.

Speaking at the function, Project Officer Augustine Phiri thanked the U.S. Government for the assistance which he said will help to improve the social and economic welfare of more than 330 families.   He said the assistance will greatly enhance the club’s productivity in addition to creating employment opportunities, especially for women. “Our club harvests about 750 tones of cassava and that the funding has helped us to double the amount of cassava processed thereby increasing our revenue base.” He said.
He said in addition to supplying processed cassava flour to a number of outlets in Lilongwe and Mchinji, the group bakes cassava confectionaries from cassava flour.   

Ambassador Eastham praised the group for effectively utilizing resources from the Fund to improve their business.  He said the club, located a few kilometers from the City Center, was strategically placed for the marketing of its products.  He said the group has a potential to significantly contribute to the country’s efforts to fight hunger.  Senior public and civil society officials attended the function.