By Innocent Chunga & Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, April 11, Mana: In an effort to protect and address the effects of climate change, Nkhotakota District Council has committed to continue providing technical support in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) for smooth implementation of the project in the district.

Speaking after a catchment supervision visit of the programme in the areas of Senior Chiefs Mwansambo, Mphonde and Mwadzama on Wednesday, Desk Officer for CSEPWP in the district, Arthur Chiwayula, said the project aimed at addressing climate change, environmental degradation and sustainable development to communities in the district and so needs expert technical support.

Chiwayula said beneficiaries in the district are conserving soil and water resources through various activities which are being implemented to achieve the project's goals, such as making swale and tree planting, among others.

“We will continue to assist target beneficiaries in the district, as the structures have helped them to restore their land and improve yields as these projects reduce soil erosion in some parts in the district," said Chiwayula.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, Agriculture Extension and Development Officer (AEDO) for Mwansambo Extension Area (EPA), Grace Phiri, said before introduction of the programme, her catchment area was affected by running water, leading to low yield of crops as well as degraded soil fertility in the area.

“Our beneficiaries here have seen improvements in yields in all catchment areas as these projects reduce soil erosion, helped communities in protecting natural resources and adopt climate smart agricultural techniques,” said Phiri.

Chairperson for Thanga Catchment Management Committee (CMC) in the area of Senior Chief Mwansambo, Stanley Benjamin, has since asked for more support from officials, as the project continues in its third cycle, to teach them to incorporate environmental conservation technologies in addressing challenges related to climate change.

“We are doing various activities here at Thanga, including planting trees and making swales to control surface run-off and the programme has helped us a lot in improving soil fertility,” he said.

Another beneficiary, a member of the Mandowa sub-catchment area, said government should continue supporting the project to vulnerable communities, citing that it is enhancing lives of people in the area.

The multi-billion kwacha programme is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP), a Government project implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) and funded by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.