Machinga communities, authorities seal deal on forest management
People in Machinga and the district’s forestry office have agreed on a set of rules on village forest management plans agreement to help improve the communities’ livelihood through sustainable forest management and utilisation.
The rules, to run for five years, follow continued deforestation of Malosa and Liwonde forest reserves as well as village forests.
Signed by authorities from the forestry office as well as from Katuwa and Malopa villages in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlomba, the rules provide for best forestry management practices and penalties for deviants.
Machinga district assistant forest officer responsible for customary land Kaitano Hamuza commended the European Union (EU)-funded Rural Infrastructure Development Programme for implementing catchment conservation projects in the district.
He said it was important for people to learn ways and means of conserving forests within their communities apart from planting trees around their homes.
In an interview, T/A Mlomba assured the district forest office of his support towards ensuring that natural resources are conserved.
Mlomba also regrettably noted the rapid deforestation in Liwonde Forest Reserve, which costs the water intake for Kawinga Gravity Scheme.
The Mlomba area benefits from the Kawinga Water Scheme, which has running taps throughout the year.
Malopa Village Forest occupies more than five hectares while Katuwa Village Forest is 3.7 hectares and has natural trees.
