The Malawi Environment Endowment Trust (Meet) has said organisations should engage local people at grass roots when implementing projects to ensure suitability and built resilience among the people.
Meet board chairperson Christopher Mwambene said this in Blantyre when the trust disbursed K39 million to four local organisations working in environmental projects.
The four organisations—Action for Sustainable Development, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, River of Life Organisation, Tiphedzane Community Support Organisation—were identified from the three regions of the country.
Meet coordinator Karen Price said members of the five organisations received the grants after receiving orientation and training on how to manage the funds.
Action for Sustainable Development executive director Thomas Ngwira said poverty leaves communities with no option, but to resort to non-environmental friendly activities such as charcoal burning and selling for survival.
However, he said with sponsorship from Meet and other organisations, his office is working with about 200 households in fish farming, piggery and afforestation projects, thereby giving an alternative financial backbone to the locals.
During the event, Action for Sustainable Development from Mzuzu was granted K10.9 million for 18 months.
