Chitipa, Karonga Districts Target Over 2 Million Trees Despite Challenges
Sitwel Banda, Chitipa district forestry officer, said they aim to plant 1.1 million trees with assistance from the climate smart project, which provides monetary incentives.
CHITIPA, Malawi - Chitipa and Karonga districts in northern Malawi have set targets to plant 1.1 million and 1.2 million trees, respectively, this season despite facing challenges like dry spells and bushfires, local officials said, writes Victor Musongole.
Sitwel Banda, Chitipa district forestry officer, said they aim to plant 1.1 million trees with assistance from the climate smart project, which provides monetary incentives.
But uncontrolled bushfires and dry spells have slowed progress.
"We planted 1.2 million last season but only 58 percent survived," Banda said. "Bushfires remain a big problem here, and livestock is also destroying some."
Still, the district is pushing to reach its 1.1 million tree target this season.
In Karonga, the district is targeting 1.2 million trees, down from last season's 1.5 million, when they fell short by 80,000, said Kingston Tembo, assistant forestry officer.
"With climate smart, we believe we will meet the target this year, though we are struggling with a 65 percent survival rate as of November due to dry spells," Tembo said.
Despite the challenges, both districts are determined to reach their goals and contribute to the national target of 34 million trees launched last month by President Lazarus Chakwera.
"We must protect our forests for a sustainable tomorrow," Tembo said.