Mouse To Go: Rodent Kebabs Fill Empty Stomachs In Virus-hit Malawi
Muhammad Irfan Published September 04, 2020 | 01:40 PM
Lilongwe, Malawi, Sept 4 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Sep, 2020 ) :A popular snack when food is bountiful, mice have become a vital source of protein in Malawi since the coronavirus outbreak aggravated food shortages and economic hardship.
Vendors waving long skewers of roasted field mice typically stand along Malawi's main highway, targeting motorists traveling between the two largest cities, Blantyre and Lilongwe.
Seasoned and cooked to a crisp, mice are also sold at street stalls and markets across the southeast African country.
But these salty roadside bites also come in handy when times get tough.
Malnutrition and food insecurity are perennial issues in the small, landlocked nation, where more than half of the population live below the poverty line.
The coronavirus, which has infected nearly 5,500 people and killed more than 170, has only exacerbated food shortages as many livelihoods have been curtailed by confinement measures.
For mice hunter Bernard Simeon, from Malawi's central Ntcheu district, the pandemic has brought new complexities to his poverty-stricken life.
"We were already struggling before the coronavirus," he told AFP shortly after preparing his daily mice catch.
"But now because of the disease, things have really gone bad."The 38-year-old is primarily a peasant farmer but he also hunts and hawks mice to supplement his livelihood. His wife Yankho Chalera and their child depend on his earnings.
"When times are hard we rely on mice to supplement our diet because we cannot afford to buy meat," said Chalera, washing dishes after lunch.
Recent Stories
Dubai Mum Becomes the First Ever Pakistani Woman to Climb 11 of the 14 Highest M ..
Over 37% Tobacco tax increase suggested to save lives, boost revenue
Mohsin Naqvi has offered a substantial incentive, pledging $100,000 to every pla ..
Citizens join Al Barsha Police in “An Hour for Dubai” Initiative
Art can be a powerful tool to relieve stress, Experts say at Sharjah Children’ ..
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 5 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 05 May 2024
Bugti assures transporters for addressing their problems
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar meets foreign min ..
3 drug peddlers arrested, hashish recovered
1496,990 children given polio drops in five days: DC
Six terrorists killed, hideout busted in N Waziristan IBO: ISPR
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Concerted efforts urged to ease traffic flow on city roads
18 hours ago -
Land degradation: A threat to food security
18 hours ago -
Revamping health sector, a gigantic task ahead
18 hours ago -
American band promotes intercultural harmony thru music fusions
2 days ago -
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
3 days ago -
Experts for ending child labour
5 days ago
-
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
5 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
7 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
8 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
8 days ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
8 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
10 days ago