Women lead campaign against climate change
Khosolo Women Forum in Mzimba District says it is stepping up community awareness campaigns to sensitise people to the effects of climate change.
The forum’s director Joyce Mwale said this on Monday during a climate justice campaign sessions which they conducted in Traditional Authority (T/A) Khosolo in the district.
She said they are encouraging communities to venture into manure production, livestock farming and afforestation to restore vegetative cover in their areas.
Said Mwale: “We are experiencing the effects of climate change such as changes in rainfall patterns, floods and dry spells which have led to food insecurity in the district.
“So, we have received funds from ActionAid Malawi to remind people in Mzimba to avoid deforestation and start planting trees to restore the degraded landscapes.”
She called on developed countries which she said are the biggest contributors to climate change crisis to increase their funding on climate change financing to poor countries, including Malawi to build resilience to climate change shocks.
On his part, group village head Mtenje Chirwa said deforestation was high around Kabuwa area; hence, the need for people to plant more trees.
“Deforestation has affected the whole of Mzimba District which calls for traditional leaders to join hands with stakeholders in planting and protecting trees,” he said.
Philip Phiri, a community member from Kanjuchi, said he will advise his fellow community members to develop woodlots and avoid cutting down trees.
The activities follow a climate justice campaign dubbed ‘Fund Our Future that ActionAid Malawi launched last year.
