50kg Bags of Mealy-Meal
“I am the head of a household of nine. I lost my husband 10 years ago and I have eight children to feed, including four orphans, my eldest sister’s children. I depend on farming, but there was a total crop failure this year. We eat just one meal a day. What is it like to be hungry? Your sight is affected. Your heart runs fast. Your stomach hurts, your head hurts. You are confused and it consumes you.” -Lucia
- The drought in southern Africa has impacted a number of countries other than Zambia. Those would include Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. In Zambia, the drought has been severely centered in both western and southern regions. If you go to the website and find the April 10 blog you will find additional information on this climatic event.
- In Zambia, maize (corn) is the primary food staple and overall production is down approximately 20% from last year. However, in southwestern Zambia and where the Sons of Thunder Farm is located, this is misleading. Renowned for its maize production the southern region of Zambia has seen its yield reduced from 30-50% in most areas.
- Maize (white corn) is ground into meal and sold in bags of “mealy meal.” It is prepared for “n’shema” which is the traditional porridge cooked widely for both morning and evening meals. The cost of mealy-meal has doubled since last year and this impacts the low and middle income families of Zambia the most. A 50 kilogram bag of mealy meal now cost K110-120 in Zambian Kwacha, the national currency. For a family of 4-5 this would normally last 2-2.5 weeks but due to cost is now having to last much longer.
Recent Maize pricing/kilogram in Choma
- At the Sons of Thunder Farm outside of Senkobo, many people come on a weekly basis seeking handouts or the opportunity to work briefly on the farm in exchange for a few days of mealy-meal. SOT has long been generous to its neighbors but is now running out of surplus mealy-meal to provide their relief. We need an infusion of funds from external sources to help provide relief for many people.
- In the southern hemisphere, soil preparation begins in September and planting of crops occurs in November-December. The traditional “lean season” is November through March until the main harvest, but this year the lean season is highly extended. Hunger is widespread and prevalent.
Typical Planting Season in Zambia. Source: Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS Net)
- The elderly, children, infants and the unborn are the most highly impacted by hunger. Malnutrition is prevalent and often accompanied by change of hair color and skin discoloration. Immune systems weaken and susceptibility to diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia increases. Rates of mortality of children accelerates.
- At Sons of Thunder Ministries we are praying for a miracle offering from God to enable us to go and purchase large amounts of mealy-meal to provide relief for the many people near the Farm. Can you help us? On the top menu bar of A Carpenter’s View you can make direct donations to Sons of Thunder by clicking “contribute.”
- Hungry and thirsty,
Their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He delivered them out of their distresses.
And He led them forth by the right way,
That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalm 107:5-9)
- As an approved 501(c)3 organization, all donations to Sons of Thunder Ministries are tax deductible. Carpenter Ministries, Inc. nor I receive any compensation from Sons of Thunder. We are grateful for your prayers and your generosity.