Dedza District

Dedza is a district in Malawi's Central Region, with an area of 3,754 km² and a population of 830,512 as of the 2018 census. It lies south of Lilongwe, between Mozambique and Lake Malawi, with its capital at Dedza Township. The district is characterized by diverse landscapes, including grasslands, granite outcrops, natural woodlands, pine plantations, and bamboo forests. The wet season runs from November to April, while higher altitudes experience moderate temperatures and occasional cold spells in June and July. Dedza's population increased by 33% between 2008 and 2018, with ethnic groups dominated by the Chewa (64.5%), followed by Ngoni (20.6%) and others. The district has eight National Assembly constituencies, all held by the Malawi Congress Party since 2009, and 32 wards electing members to the Dedza District Assembly. Traditional authorities oversee 8 areas. Transportation is facilitated by major roads: the M1 links Lilongwe and Blantyre, while the M5 runs parallel to Lake Malawi, and the S126 connects to Golomoti. Economic activities include subsistence farming, with some commercial ventures like rice growing, ceramics production, sawmilling, and rose cultivation. Tourism attractions include forest reserves, such as Dedza-Salima and Chongoni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for rock art. The Kungoni Cultural Centre showcases cultural heritage, while Dedza Pottery is known for its ceramics and coffee shop. The district also benefits from partnerships with Norwich, UK, through the Norwich-Dedza Partnership, which supports education, health, agriculture, and tourism. Key towns include Dedza Township, Mua, Lobi, Linthipe, Mayani, and Mtakataka, with most residents living in ...