Land Restoration Benefits Over 12,000 Households
So far, 500 households have worked to restore 50 hectares of land in the Zemba area.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - A World Bank-funded initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes will benefit over 12,000 households in Blantyre, local officials said Monday, writes Maryam Mtengulah, MANA.
The Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) engages community members in land conservation activities like building check dams and planting trees. Participants receive wages for their work that support their families.
"The programme has transformed the livelihoods of vulnerable families," said Triza Mandowa, chairperson for the Zemba Catchment area in Blantyre.
So far, 500 households have worked to restore 50 hectares of land in the Zemba area.
They will soon plant over 23,500 tree seedlings, Mandowa said.
Extension worker Effie Gama Hussein said participation is increasing. Currently 500 households take part, but 1,500 are expected for the next cycle.
The project has "been a success" in conserving the environment while improving economic livelihoods, said Blantyre's Land Resource Conservation Officer Olive Vokhiwa.
Blantyre district has engaged 12,194 total households across 15 catchment areas. Vokhiwa said the district hopes to reach even more participants.
In addition to land conservation, officials encourage savings groups to boost financial stability.
The CS-EPWP is part of the Social Support for Resilience Livelihood Project, facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee.
The World Bank is one of several donors providing funding through a Multi-Donor Trust.