Chikangawa is a residential and industrial town located in the Mzimba District of Malawi, in the Northern Region.[1][2] The town has a rich history dating back to the pre-colonial era, when it was a small village inhabited by the Tumbuka people. Chitumbuka is the predominant language spoken in the area.[3][4]
Chikangawa, Mzimba | |
|---|---|
  Chikangawa, Mzimba | |
| Coordinates: 11°52′16″S 33°48′0″E / 11.87111°S 33.80000°E | |
| Country | Malawi |
| Region | Northern Region, Malawi |
| Municipality | Mzimba |
| Established | 1895 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Unitary presidential republic |
| Area | |
| • Total | 26.00 km2 (10.04 sq mi) |
| Population (2018) | |
| • Total | 19,224 |
| • Density | 740/km2 (1,900/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2018) | |
| • Black African | 95.1% |
| • Asian | 1.1% |
| • White | 1.0% |
| • Mixed | 0.7% |
| • Other | 2.1% |
| First languages (2018) | |
| • Tumbuka | 97.2% |
| • Tonga | 1.1% |
| • English | 0.4% |
| • Other | 1.1% |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (CAT) |
History
editChikangawa was established as a trading post by the British colonial administration in the early 20th century. The town grew rapidly, and by the 1920s, it had become a major commercial centre in the region. The town's strategic location made it an important hub for trade and commerce, and it quickly became a centre for agricultural production, particularly coffee and cotton.[2][5][6]
On 10 June 2024, a Malawian Defence Force Dornier 228 carrying Vice-President of Malawi Saulos Chilima, former First Lady Patricia Shanil Muluzi, and seven other occupants, crashed in Chikangawa Forest Reserve in Nkhata Bay District; all on board died.
At the time of the crash, the aircraft and its passengers were en route from Lilongwe to Mzuzu Airport in the Northern Region to attend a funeral.[7][8]Geography
editChikangawa is located in the Mzimba district of Malawi, in the northern region of the country. It is situated approximately 40 km (25 mi) north of the town of Mzuzu, and about 20 kilometers south of the town of Ekwendeni as well as close to Nkhata Bay District. The town is nestled in a valley, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.[2][9]
Institutions
editChikangawa is home to a number of institutions, including:[2][10][11]
- Chikangawa Secondary School: a secondary school that provides education to students from the surrounding area
- Chikangawa Primary School: a primary school that provides education to children from the local community
- Chikangawa Forest Reserve[12][13]
- Chikangawa Hospital: a hospital that provides medical care to the local population
- Chikangawa Police Station: a police station that serves the local community
- Chikangawa Market: a market where locals sell fresh produce, crafts, and other goods
- Chikangawa Post Office: a post office that provides postal services to the local community
Chikangawa is also home to a number of businesses, including shops, restaurants, and lodges. The town is known for its natural beauty, with surrounding hills and mountains offering opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Economy
editThe economy of Chikangawa is primarily based on agriculture, with many residents engaged in small-scale farming. The town is also home to a number of small businesses, including shops, restaurants, and lodges.[2][14][15]
Infrastructures
editChikangawa has a number of infrastructure developments, including:[2][16]
- A tarred road that connects the town to the nearby city of Mzuzu
- A number of shops and businesses
- A hospital and a number of clinics
- A number of schools, including a secondary school and a number of primary schools
- A library and a number of community centers
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Chikoti, Martha (14 February 2017). "Government warns over deforestation in Chikangawa forest Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f https://times.mw/chikangawa-under-siege/
- ^ "Chikangawa Plantations | Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ Zgambo, Mike Lyson (22 October 2019). "Raiply sensitises communities on Chikangawa fires Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "It was once a lush forest". AIJC. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Malawi govt 'bows out' of Raiply concession, retains Chikangawa plantation land - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2 September 2020. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ Gondwe, Gregory and Imray, Gerald (11 June 2024). "Malawi's vice president and 9 others are confirmed dead after their plane's wreckage is found". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 11 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
- ^ "UTM Raises Transparency Concerns Over Missing VP's Plane". AfricaBrief. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Chikangawa, Malawi - Facts and information on Chikangawa". malawi.places-in-the-world.com. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Timber smugglers hit police officer to death in Chikangawa forest - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 12 February 2020. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Malawi in demo mood:Timber Millers hold protests at Chikangawa - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 22 August 2019. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Government, partners to replenish trees in Chikangawa forest - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 16 June 2019. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Forest plunder in Chikangawa threatens Raiply Malawi exports - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 27 November 2019. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Chikangawa Forest Archives". Malawi 24. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ Zgambo, Mike Lyson (19 January 2021). "RTMU writes President Chakwera over Chikangawa forest dispute Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ Bisani, Luke (14 November 2016). "Chikangawa Forest closed, MDF soldiers to guard it". Malawi 24. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.