Neno in soil conservation project
Hunger Project Malawi has launched a new project along Mwetang’ombe and Lisungwi rivers in Neno called Titukuke ndi Chilengedwe ndi Magetsi aimed at reducing siltation and sedimentation of alluvial soil that runs into the Shire River.
The soils are said to increase growth of weeds that block turbines when generating hydroelectric power.
Hunger Project Malawi programmes officer Mackenzie Mkalapa said this during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting at the district council hall.
He said: “The project wants to reduce costly power disruptions, ensure sustainability and increase efficiency of Malawi’s hydropower generation.”
He said as a project, they have noted heavy dependency on forest products leading to loss of soil cover in most parts of the country.
Mkalapa said in an effort to curb soil loss, the project would introduce income generating activities and promote environmentally friendly agriculture systems to improve livelihoods in the targeted areas.
He said the project would increase income levels for rural poor households by establishing village saving loans to reduce natural resource exploitation. Neno District Council director of planning and development McPherson Mwakhwawa said the project would help to increase productivity of the country.
He, therefore, applauded Hunger Project Malawi for the project which he said would benefit both rural and urban people.
The project is being funded by Mellenium Challenge account.
