By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, November 14, Mana: People of Mayani in Dedza district have hailed the Climate Smart Enhancement Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) for transforming their livelihoods as well as farming methods through construction of swales which they say are helping in holding rain waters that used to cause land degradation.

Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Vice Chairperson for Ng’ombe Catchment, Cecilia Seliso said unlike in the past, many communities are embracing the initiative having noticed the many benefits that come with it.

She said apart from swale construction, the cash being provided to members of the communities is helping them to buy farm inputs and also support their households.

“Some are doing small scale businesses while others are paying fees for their children in schools. This intervention is important as it is also improving our lives. Some households have managed to buy domestic animals which also provide them with manure for our farms and others we sale in so doing improving our economic wellbeing,” said Seliso.

On his part, Group Village Chingota expressed satisfaction with the program adding that apart from the swales, they have established nurseries and tree seedlings have also germinated ready for planting soon.

“We are geared to restore forests for the benefits of our next generation. We appreciate the council for leading us in various initiatives that are transforming our lives through the program,” he stated

Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AEDO), Joseph Jassi, for Kaphuka Extension Planning Area (EPA) where Ng’ombe catchment falls, said people are able to make manure.

“About 800 hectares of land is being used by people in this catchment area. We are happy to see that participants have embraced the program.  There are a number of program participants that have owned some businesses while others do have domestic animals curtsey of the financial aspect of this program,” said Jassi

Dedza district council, Land Resources Officer, Franklyn Gomani, who is also desk officer for the program said CS-EPWP is aimed at addressing four areas of afforestation, ending hunger, access to finances and ownership to the affected areas either by soil erosion, galleries and deforestation among others.

There are 22,336 program participants under the CS-EPWP in Dedza district.

The program is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) through the district council with support from the Malawi Social Protection Multi Donor Trust funded by the World Bank, USAID, Iceland, Ireland, UK-FCDO, EU and Norway.