Take care of tree seedlings,people in Mchinji told
Mchinji district director of planning and development Martin Pindankono has underscored the importance of taking care of tree seedlings to ensure they survive.
His sentiments come after reports that trees planted under Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme had low survival rate due to lack of care.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday, Pindankono acknowledged that while planting trees was a relatively a simple task, the real challenge lies in ensuring that they survive.
“Planting trees is easy, but taking care of them has proved problematic. Even if we can raise and plant more trees, if they cannot survive, we cannot say we did a good job,” he said.
On his part, Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme Central Region
Cluster coordinator Jalamthowa Mwale said many trees planted under the programme fail to thrive and called for improved post- planting care.
“Many trees that have been planted under this programme have not survived. Participants know trees are essential, but no extra care is provided after transplanting. The focus is only on nurseries,” he said.
Mwale emphasised the importance of collaboration between forestry and agriculture offices to provide participants with necessary extension services.
“Forestry and agriculture offices need to step in and support participants. Their guidance is critical for ensuring that these trees grow to maturity,” he said.
Thyolasanu Catchment Area supervisor Anne Ntiyesanji said the survival of trees depends on community ownership and local regulations.
“The trees can survive when people own the initiative,” she said.