Country Director for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Hastings Lacha, told Zodiak Online that the beneficiaries need to spare some money which they are receiving to buy seed for the winter cropping so that they can food secure.

According to Lacha, it is important for the beneficiaries to devise mechanisms of cushioning hunger problems

Lacha suggested the need for the beneficiaries of various cash transfer programs to venture into winter cropping with support which government and development partners are giving them.

He said while they are considering buying food for their families after receiving the money, there is need for them to find better ways of ensuring food security in their respective houses.

Phalombe District Agriculture Development Officer, David Ali, concurred with Lacha on the need for the beneficiaries to venture into winter cropping to lessen their suffering.

Ali said if the beneficiaries put to good use these alternatives, they will have enough food instead of relying on rain fed farming which is not reliable.

"Most areas in Phalombe have moisture which people can use to embark on winter cropping," said Ali.

In her remarks, one of the beneficiaries, Gertrude Bugeya said she will embark on winter cropping to avert hunger which has affected her family.

A total of 511 beneficiaries received K46, 000 each in Phalombe in the 2019/ 2020 lean season response plan.