Community efforts bolster protection of Mzimba's Pelekezi forest
The Pelekezi forest block committees are responsible for pruning, creating firewalls, and conducting weekly patrols to prevent encroachment.
MZIMBA, Malawi— Local leaders and community groups are intensifying efforts to protect the Pelekezi forest in Mzimba, with support from the non-governmental organization Governance for Solutions (GFS), writes James Nyirenda.
GVH Kajikhomere Nkhonjera, speaking after a meeting at Kaulankhutu on Wednesday, noted a decrease in illegal charcoal and timber production since the introduction of forest block committees.
"Many former charcoal producers are now engaged in irrigation farming, thanks to awareness activities by the block committees," Nkhonjera said.
However, Nkhonjera accused some forest officers of enabling illegal activities by tipping off culprits about patrol dates.
Thom Mazayi, chairman of the Good Good block committee, emphasized the committees' role in community sensitization, stating, "Forest block committees complement efforts by the forest department, as we don't have enough forest officers."
Noel Shaba, chairperson of community policing in Traditional Authority Mzikubola's area, praised GFS for empowering the community and highlighting the forest's benefits.
The Pelekezi forest block committees are responsible for pruning, creating firewalls, and conducting weekly patrols to prevent encroachment.
GFS, supported by DAI, employs a problem-driven, interactive adaptation approach to help local stakeholders address service delivery failures.
In Mzimba District, the focus is on eliminating illegal charcoal and timber production.