Nsanje District Council
Nsanje District Council
Location: Nsanje District, Southern Region, Malawi
Area: 1,942 square kilometers (750 sq mi)
Population: 194,924 (as per latest census)
Administrative Center: Nsanje City
Other Important Cities: Bangula, Marka, Tengani, Fatima
Geographical Features:
- Topography: The district lies in the Lower Shire River Valley, bordered by Mozambique. Elevation ranges from approximately 200 feet (61 m) ASL to nearly 2,000 feet (610 m) ASL in the southwestern hills.
- Natural Reserves: Mwabvi Game Reserve in the northwest and Elephant Marsh in the northern part of the district.
- Climate: Temperatures range from around 8 °C (46 °F) in June to as hot as 52 °C (126 °F) in November. Rainfall averages around 750 millimeters (30 in) yearly, primarily from January through April.
Government and Administrative Divisions:
- National Assembly Constituencies: Nsanje is divided into five constituencies: Central, Lalanje, North, South, and South West.
Economy:
- Agriculture: The district relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture, with crops including maize, millet, sorghum, rice, sweet potatoes, beans, and cotton.
- Livestock Farming: Cattle, goats, sheep, and domesticated birds are raised, with livestock farming being a significant source of wealth for many residents.
- Fishing: Fishing sustains many livelihoods in the district.
- Economic Challenges: Nsanje is one of the poorest districts in Malawi, with dependence on government and NGO assistance for development.
Recent Challenges:
- 2015 Floods: Devastated the district, particularly affecting cropland along the east bank of the Shire River, leading to significant loss of resources.
Demographics:
- Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Sena (84.0%), with significant populations of Lomwe (7.3%), Mang’anja (5.0%), and others.
- Languages: Chisena is the predominant language, with Chimang’anja, Chichewa, English, and Portuguese also spoken.
Culture:
- Traditional Practices: Rain cult worshiping deity M’bona, with traditional dances such as Madzoka and Ulimba performed by women and traditional healers respectively.
- Languages: Besides Chisena, Chimang’anja, Chichewa, English, and Portuguese are also spoken, reflecting the district’s diverse cultural heritage.
Nsanje District Council strives to address the economic challenges and preserve the cultural heritage of its diverse population while promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its residents.