CCEI Donates Fruit Trees to Boost Incomes in Nkhata Bay
The organization aims to distribute more than 2,000 trees under the project.
NKHATA BAY, Malawi- The Centre for Community Empowerment Initiatives (CCEI) on Tuesday donated over 150 fruit tree seedlings to Chigwere Village in Nkhata Bay District as part of an effort to provide residents with access to fruit and potential income sources, writes Victor Musongole.
"We want people to plant and have fruits that can also generate sales," CCEI Executive Director Gilbert Banda said after the donation.
The seedlings are part of a two-year CCEI project aimed at improving soil health, forestry management and livelihoods in communities near the Kaning'ina Forest Reserve.
The initiative is supported by the Malawi Environmental Endowment Trust.
CCEI distributed mango, orange, tangerine and avocado seedlings to dozens of Chigwere residents.
Maria Gondwe, one of the beneficiaries, said she was grateful for the donation and encouraged others to care for the trees.
"These fruits will help us, and I hope we can sell some to reduce dependence on charcoal," Gondwe said.
Daud Zimba, chairperson of the Nyaluwanga Area Development Committee, said the fruit trees would provide food and potential income to reduce reliance on charcoal production.
"We will care for these trees to see fruits and generate income in the future," Zimba said.
Last week, CCEI gave tree seedlings to the Chigomezgo Women's Group in Nkhatabay.
The organization aims to distribute more than 2,000 trees under the project.