Nsanje Climate Program Targets 14,000 for Activities
The Climate Smart Support Programme (CSSP) engages locals in flooding and drought mitigation efforts across Nsanje's nine traditional authorities and 16 ecosystem catchment areas.
NSANJE, Malawi - A climate resilience initiative in Malawi's southernmost Nsanje district has identified over 14,000 vulnerable residents to participate in paid community enhancement projects starting in December, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The Climate Smart Support Programme (CSSP) engages locals in flooding and drought mitigation efforts across Nsanje's nine traditional authorities and 16 ecosystem catchment areas.
CSSP's assistant land and conservation officer Leonard Malirana said Wednesday each worker receives a daily wage of MK2,800 (about $3) for 24 days of labour on designated tasks. They can also contribute five additional days toward community priorities.
"The communities will be working to address issues like reforestation, irrigation, drainage and other climate change adaptation measures," Malirana explained at a district council briefing.
"Priority goes to the poorest and most marginalized households."
Compared to over 17,600 beneficiaries in CSSP's previous cycle, Malirana attributed the reduced number this round to some opting out after paycheck disputes and misunderstandings emerged.
"So many beneficiaries are automatically not identified in the Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR) system," he said, referring to the digital database connecting aid programs.
Council spokesperson Robert Nayeja concurred all participants are vetted and cleared through the UBR to guarantee proper eligibility and oversight.
"There is a need to update the UBR system to have updated names of beneficiaries, but that requires funds the council lacks currently," Nayeja acknowledged.
Besides earned wages circulated into the local economy, officials promote savings habits so communities build wealth long-term through the complementary Community Savings Investment Promotion initiative.