‘Extension workers key in fighting climate change’

Lilongwe district environmental officer Tadala Nsewa said extension workers are crucial in the implementation of interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

She said this on Friday in the district during the training of the extension workers on environmental and social safeguards for the implementation of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme scheduled to start next month.

“The extension workers will monitor environmental risks and impacts associated with the project,” she said.

Lilongwe district land resource conservation officer Oswald Mlenga said the extension workers will guide community members to develop environmental and social management plans.

He said they will also assess land agreement forms to seek consent from owners of customary and communal land earmarked for some of the projects.

One of the extension workers, Francis Kafanikhale said the training was important for the extension workers because they will be able to identify areas to implement climate change interventions.

In Lilongwe, at least 24 628 people will benefit from the programme expected to improve agriculture, forestry, environment and fisheries activities.

The beneficiaries are expected to work for 12 days in a month and extra five days outside wages period as their community contribution.

The programme is funded by the World Bank.