Thyolo communities bank hope on trees
People in Thyolo District have expressed hope that trees they are planting under Climate-Smart Public Works Programme will help to reverse the effects of climate change caused by the absence of trees.
Speaking on Friday during a supervision visit of the tree-planting exercise in Traditional Authority (T/A) Changata,Chimbidzi Catchment Area member Mphatso Chandamale said people have realised the importance of trees; hence, willing to plant more.
He said trees they planted last season look promising, thereby giving them hope that in the long run, people will be safe from the effects of climate change such as droughts and floods.
Said Chandamale: “Our area was heavily affected by Cyclone Freddy. Many houses were destroyed while others lost their roofs during the disaster. This happened because there are no trees to protect buildings from strong winds.
“But with the programme, we are sure that in the next four years, the trees we are planting will protect the area from such disasters.”
Another participant, Donata Phiri, whose house was damaged by strong winds, said the programme has inspired her to plant more trees to avert future disasters.
Thyolo district Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme desk officer Francis Yohane said it was encouraging to see communities embracing the programme.
He said the second cycle has started well in the district’s 16 catchment areas where the programme is being implemented.
The programme is under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project being implemented with support from the Malawi Social Protection Multi Donor Trust.
