NGO trains communities in forestry management

Centre for Youth Empowerment and Training (CYET) is organising a training workshop to address the escalating deforestation in traditional authorities (T/A) Mpama and Likoswe in Chiradzulu.

The workshop is expected to strengthen the work of village natural resource management committees (VNRMC) and village development committees (VDCs) in nursery and woodlots management as well as in techniques of agro-forestry.

CYET executive director Joseph Mizimbe said deforestation is rampant in the two T/As’ area which has a population of 114 845.

Some of the reserves affected are Maravi Hill Forest, Nguludi Community Forest and Kachepa Village Woodlot in T/A Likoswe, and Chiradzulu Mountain Forest and Lisawo Community Forest in T/A Mpama.

Cutting down of trees, bush fires and poaching of forest products are the major threats to these community woodlots and forests.

“Over population has exerted pressure on natural resources, which has led to deforestation where people resort to clearing the forests for firewood, charcoal production, timber, opening of new gardens, construction of houses and social amenities such as markets and community play fields.

“The deforestation is also caused by high levels of poverty, ignorance of rights and responsibilities, and weak enforcement of laws and policies governing forest and environmental management,” Mizimbe said.

He said there is need for awareness of forest laws and policies among local communities, who also need to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Furthermore, Mizimbe said the battle against deforestation can only be won if there is collective responsibility from government and the communities in managing forest reserves.