Nkhata Bay Prison Public Relations Officer, McDonald Migolo, has praised the government for supporting the maize farming initiative, saying the project is improving food sufficiency while equipping inmates with vital agricultural skills.
Migolo said this during a monitoring tour at the prison’s farm on Wednesday.
He said the programme aligns with the Malawi Prison Service’s core agendas of reformation, rehabilitation and community integration.
“We are hopeful that soon we will be having the surplus which we may be using to generate income through sales to enhance other prison operations and we will soon introduce other trades like carpentry and bricklaying to prepare the inmates for life after prison,” he said.
He added that the initiative has significantly reduced reliance on external food suppliers while improving nutrition status of inmates.
One of the male inmates commended the programme, saying it has brought hope and skills for life after prison.
Nkhata Bay District Agriculture Extension and Development Officer, Lupakisho Simwela, applauded the prison management for collaborating closely with agricultural experts to ensure the success of the project and said this must continue.
Nkhata Bay Prison has about 157 inmates.
By Ennet Nkhuwa and Timothy Banda, MANA
