Tama launches afforestation project in Ntchisi

Tobacco Association of Malawi (Tama) on Monday launched its tree planting project at Chipwapwata Primary School, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chilowoko in Ntchisi District.

The project aims to encourage communities in the area to plant trees in selected areas every year during the national tree planting period.

Tama president Reuben Maigwa said the project targets planting more than 10 000 seedlings nationwide and that this year alone the association will plant 2 000 seedlings.

Maigwa said their tree planting project will be implemented through involvement of the communities around selected areas.

“The planted trees shall be owned by the communities, while Tama would provide the necessary support and supervision, through our field business officers in collaboration with government forestry officials, to ensure survival of the planted trees,” he said.

Maigwa said the association is saddened with environmental degradation which he said is evident across the country, and is contributing to climate change.

Ntchisi district commissioner (DC) Malango Botomani, who was guest of honour during the launch, urged participants to plant trees every year and to stop wanton cutting down of trees.