Muchinga Escarpment – Chieftainess Serenje, Central Province
29th August – 5th September 2022
Quick Demographics:
LOCATION
Approx. 20km South of Lusiwasi Hydro Power Station (On the Escarpment head) and 60km in total from Masase Village which is the current Farmstew Station in the Chiefdom
ACCESS
Mostly dry season by road from the Chieftainess Palace approximately 70km rugged terrain vehicles only. From MasaseVillage to the Lusiwasi Power Station approx. 40km with Power Station vehicle when available. From the Power Station by Trolley Car to the bottom of the Power Station and Luangwa Valley Floor. Across the Lusiwasi River and a 20km hike up the Escarpment to the village through very hilly terrain, 4-7hr hike.
VILLAGE
No medical facilities (Basic Clinic under construction but many challenges go with it.), no Government offices, a small School with a small number of teachers. Head Teacher acts as local Clinical officer as non available and is involved in many Community interventions as and when it becomes possible.
LIVELIHOOD
Subsistence farming typical of the area, they grow, maize, millet, cassava, beans but often in areas that are prone to flooding and crop destruction is common. No soy bean planting even though soils are perfect for it.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Lifestyle challenges are many; HIV and most chronic diseases, malnutrition, kwashiokor, scabies and many others that are rampant in the village and surrounding areas.
NEAREST FACILITIES
In any direction, provision of food support, health support is 20-70km away depending on what is available at the nearer locations, otherwise travel up to the District town is 170km away
Kabansa Mission
Mission team
- H. Mutale & D. Lungu – Farmstew Trainers
- Kennedy Lunga – Farmstew Volunteer
Mission Location
Route From Masase
Kabansa Village: 13°27’55″S 30°59’22″E
Challenges
Malnutrition is rampant in the village and the incidence of scabies is widespread. With it is acute poverty and a struggle to eck out a decent living as a consequence of ignorance of sustainable agricultural practices, growing and provision of nutritious fruit and vegetables and crops. Lifestyle changes and how to make them are critical.
