People team up to protect forest reserve
People of Minama Village, Traditional Authority Malemia in Zomba have teamed up to take care of Malosa Forest Reserve.
Speaking on Wednesday during a media tour, Minama Block Group chairperson Yaleka Jackson said they benefit a lot from the forest.
“We use the forest for bee-keeping. We also have tapped water for irrigation farming from the forest,” said Jackson.
of their irrigation scheme
He said the European Union-funded Transformational Adaptation to Climate Resilience in Malawi (Transform) Project encouraged them to take care of the forest through planting trees, managing shrubs and protecting against charcoal-making.
“The deforestation resulted in insufficient amount of rainfall in the area. So, we embarked on the conservation initiative. Now the forest is restored and we are reaping the benefits,” said Jackson.
Group village head Minama said protecting the forest has restored water in rivers.
“None of my subjects complain of hunger. Our vision is to be the best honey producers in Zomba,” he said.
Zomba district forestry assistant Patrick Mwakwepele said the project has supported community members with beehives and tree seedlings.
Transform Project seeks to reduce people’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change and is being implemented in Machinga and Zomba districts.
