People in Traditional Authority Mazengera in Lilongwe District have started preparing tree nurseries under Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme to grow in bare land to control water run-off.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday during a media tour of the area, Nyanja Extension Planning Area agriculture extension development officer Alepha Masaiti said under the programme, people have learnt that planting trees can help to prevent natural disasters such as floods.
“Since we started planting trees under the programme, we have seen many places that used to experience flooding supporting crop production,” she said.
Masaiti said besides preparing tree nurseries, the programme’s participants have also constructed stone bunds and swales to control the speed of running water.
She urged participants to continue working hard in their fields to improve food security.
Lilongwe district land resources conservation officer Setrida Mlamba expressed excitement to see that almost the district’s 23 catchment areas were registering progress.
“This programme is not only helping participants get income through public works, but also conserving the environment. I am optimistic that we will continue registering strides in subsequent cycles,” she said.
The programme is a major component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project that seeks to promote rehabilitation of degraded landscapes and restore natural resources.
The programme is implemented nationwide through the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank
