Nsanje Communities Plant 600 Mango Trees as Future Income Source
The fruit tree planting initiative aligns with efforts to promote environmental conservation while providing alternative income sources to rural communities over the long term.
NSANJE, Malawi— Residents of Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje district have planted 600 mango trees during this year's tree planting season, viewing the fruit trees as a potential future income stream, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Lead farmer Lennock Mendulo said on Thursday that the communities deliberately chose to plant fruit trees over ordinary tree species.
"Apart from being a source of money, the mangoes will be good for health growth," Mendulo said, adding that locals plan to establish cooperatives to sell the mangoes in bulk once the trees mature.
Assistant Forestry Officer Andrew Bazilio at Magoti Extension Planning Area (EPA) commended the communities' enthusiasm for fruit tree planting. In addition to the 600 mango trees planted in woodlots, residents also planted three mango trees per household.
"People have welcomed the fruit tree planting initiative, and many locals have promised to take extra care of the trees," Bazilio said. In total, the EPA oversaw the planting of 278,000 tree seedlings this season.
Senior Group Village Headman Mnembe expressed happiness over the introduction of fruit tree planting, believing the mango trees will help change mindsets about encroaching on protected forest areas.
"I'm encouraging more people to plant more fruit trees in the 2024/25 tree planting season," Mnembe said.
The fruit tree planting initiative aligns with efforts to promote environmental conservation while providing alternative income sources to rural communities over the long term.