Mzimba District


Mzimba is a district in the Northern Region of Malawi. The capital is Mzimba and the biggest town is Mzuzu, which is also the administrative headquarters of the Northern Region. The district covers an area of 10,473 km2 and has a population of 1,017,701. It is the largest district in Malawi. The district is inhabited by Tumbuka people. Chitumbuka is the predominant language spoken in the district.

Geography

The district's diverse landscape features the Viphya Mountains that stretch across its southern and eastern regions, while the central area is occupied by the Mzimba Plain. The South Rukuru River and its tributaries flow through the plain, draining into the nearby basin. The district's western border shares a boundary with Zambia, marked by a low divide separating the South Rukuru basin from the Luangwa River basin.

Government

Since 2009, there are twelve National Assembly constituencies in Mzimba:

Divisions

The district is divided into 13 sub-divisions, each with its characteristics. These include Senior Chief Jaravikuba Munthali, Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve, TA Mpherembe, TA Mtwalo, Mzuzu City, TA Chindi, SC Kampingo Sibande, Mzimba Boma, TA M'Mbelwa, TA Mzikubola, TA Mzukuzuku, SC Khosolo Gwaza Jere, and TA Mabulabo.

Economy

Mzimba's economy is diverse and growing, with various sectors contributing to its development.

Agriculture

The mainstay of Mzimba's economy is agriculture that employs most of the population. Key crops implemented in the area include tobacco, maize, groundnuts, and beans. Other crops such as cassava, sweet potatoes, and vegetables are planted in the area.

Forestry

The district has significant forest reserves, with timber production and wood processing contributing to the economy. One of its forest reserves include Chikangawa Forest Reserve.

Mining

Mzimba has deposits of minerals such as uranium, coal, bauxite and graphite, as well as granite.

Manufacturing

The district has many small-scale industries such as food processing with services of tobacco curing, oil seed crushing. Others include textiles companies that gin cotton, as well as garment production including wood products.

Tourism

Mzimba's natural attractions include the Viphya Mountains and Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve, among others that offer opportunities for eco-tourism, wildlife conservation and cultural tourism.

Demographics

At the time of the 2018 Census of Malawi, the distribution of the population of Mzimba District by ethnic group was as follows: 78.3% Tumbuka, 9.1% Chewa, 6.3% Ngoni, 1.4% Lomwe, 1.1% Yao, 1.0% Tonga, 0.9% Sukwa, 0.4% Lambya, 0.3% Nkhonde, 0.1% Sena, 0.1% Mang'anja, 0.1% Nyanja and 0.8% others.

Cities in Mzimba District

Culture

The district consists of people of Tumbuka with their cultural dance origin. And also, descendants of Ngoni people from South Africa with their Cultural Dance. However, the main language spoken is chiTumbuka. The district headquarters is at Mzimba. It is also the centre of netball in Malawi, Malawi's most successful sport. Most of the players in the national team, including international star Mwayi Kumwenda were born and grew up in Mzimba.

Famous people