Land degradation alarming—Mzadd
Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (Mzadd) experts have warned against increased land degradation, saying it erodes the country’s economic growth.
According to Mzadd chief land resources and conservation officer McJum Thomas Chigowo, it is alarming that the country loses 29 tonnes of top soil per hectare every year.
He made the remarks in Mzuzu on Wednesday during a training of 30 land and forestry officers implementing Kulima Better Project, funded by Self-help Africa.
Chigowo blamed the loss on massive soil erosion and loss of trees.
He called for concerted efforts to deal with the problem.
“Malawi is an agro-based economy where land is the main resource. With a well-coordinated multi-sectoral approach, we can reverse the situation,” he said.
Mzadd senior land resources officer Chimwemwe Mwambungu said restoration of degraded sites remains slow as only 12 tonnes of soil per hectare is being restored annually, leaving 17 tonnes untouched.
The watershed management training brought together officers from Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Karonga, Kasungu, Mulanje, Mzimba, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Salima and Thyolo.
