By: Steve Chirombo

Dedza, November 21, Mana: Monica Mtambalika, a 45-year-old from Chimombo Village under Traditional Authority Kachere, has been a lifelong farmer specializing in maize cultivation. However, her harvests were often insufficient, falling short of meeting her family's needs for the entire year.

This was deeply traumatizing for her and her family, as year in and year out they were plagued in acute hunger.

Nevertheless, she diligently adhered to all recommended farming techniques, including planting high-yield crops, planting on time, and applying fertilizer.

However, according to Mtambalika, run-off water was affecting the crops as they were heavily washed away.

"We were following all the farming procedures, planting on good time, applying fertilizer and planting high yield varieties of crops but still we were failing to harvest enough for our families. This was so because the rains would wash away our crops, as a result every year we were experiencing hunger in our families,” she explained.

However, since the introduction of Climate Smart Enhancement Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) in her community, the situation has improved.

She says the program has helped her and fellow farmers to find solutions that have played a critical role in addressing challenges that were affecting their farming.

Mtambalika mentions swale construction, ridge realignment, stone bands and natural tree regeneration as some of the initiatives they are undertaking to minimize damages of soil erosion, low crop production as well as deforestation among others.

“Since we began working together to construct swales, we have successfully prevented rainwater from running down the hills and washing away our crops. The program has enhanced the collaborative efforts among us and it is our plea to see it continuing,” she said.

Another participant, Alinafe Gumbo, under Group Village Head Sefasi spoke highly of the program.

“The initiative is paying dividends, for example, last harvesting season, for the first time, we have realized bumper harvests because we were not affected by soil erosions, as previously experienced, the trees that have been restored also ensured that we receive good rains," she says.

Gumbo added that their families are now free from hunger and that the surplus is sold, and that the money is used to improve their family livelihoods.

Lute Yohane, a participant under Namasenga catchment, also narrated her from lags to riches story, as she now uses the money they are paid after working to join Village Saving and Loans (VSLs) groups and also buy food as well as buying farm inputs.

“I am one of those participants whose life has changed for the better, currently, I have managed to buy some livestocks like chicken and pigs,” she said.

Senior Chief Chauma in the district applauds the construction of swales saying they are helping to reduce soil erosion and that participants use the money they are receiving per month to buy their basic needs.

"The construction of swales, stone bands and planting trees among others has helped in reducing soil erosion in the area. Previously, our crops were being washed away and this was negatively affecting our harvests and as a result people were facing acute hunger every year," he said.

According to the Senior Chief, the program has also played a critical role in environmental conservation.

"My subjects for a long time depended on charcoal burning business but they are now into other businesses that do not harm the environment," he explained. 

Franklin Gomani, the Land Resources Conservation Officer for Dedza District Council, says that in addition to restoring forests, reclaiming land, and combating soil erosion through swale construction and natural tree regeneration, the program provides participants with around K48,000 after completing 30 full working days which helps them meet basic needs.

“The impact has been good and I am impressed. Through this money, people are able to buy food items, purchase farm inputs and also school materials for their children and more importantly, they are able to participate in Village Savings and Loans (VSLs) that are in their villages to make sure the money increases in value,” Gomani says.

District Commissioner for Dedza, Thomas Chigwenembe, urges communities, especially where the CS-EPWP is being implemented to own it.

He says being a project with a time factor, there was need for communities to fully regard it as their own so that once it phases out; they will be able to continue implementing it.

“We thank government for bringing in this intervention. It is covering a lot of people who are benefitting.

He, however, urged other capable NGOs to follow suit, noting that the CS-EPWP operates in only a few selected areas of the district. He emphasized that Dedza is vast, hilly, and has many other regions in need of similar interventions.

“In continued efforts, this will go a long way in conserving our land, water and the air we breathe. Willingness of the people is something that can’t go without being recognized. Thanks to all local leaders where CS-EPWP is being implemented in the district for cooperation because mobilizing people is not easy,” Chigwenembe says. 

The program is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Program which is being implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.