By Maston Kaiya

Ntcheu, April 8, MANA: Participants of Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP), in Nankokwe Catchment area under Senior Chief Masasa in Ntcheu have hailed the government of Malawi for improving their livelihoods economically through the programme.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), a participant in Nankokwe catchment, Lacketo Makiyi, said using the wages earned from the programme, he now own livestock such as goats and chicken.

“Before I got enrolled into the programme, my household was in abject poverty where I was failing to provide meals three times a day for my household, but the situation is different now,” he said.

Makiyi said using the wages, he is able to support his three children, including his family with all the basic needs.

"I have three children: one is pursuing a degree at Domasi College of Education; with the climate smart programme, I am able to provide his pocket money,” he added.

While calling on the government to increase the wages from the current K48, 000 per month, Makiyi urges his fellow participants to prudently use the wages by investing in small-scale businesses.

Another participant, Sara Patrick said the programme has enabled her to own assets besides empowering her economically.

"I invested the income into a village savings and loan group, where the savings have helped me buy livestock," she said.

Nankokwe catchment district designated officer, Eleman Kadewere, said participants are encouraged to invest the wages to increase their incomes.

"After working for 30 days, the participants receive their wages: Though it might look small, we encourage them to venture into economic activities in ensuring that their livelihoods are improved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ntcheu District CS-EPWP Desk Officer, Cassim Medson Kampote, has hailed the participants’ resilience in conserving the degraded environment, besides improving the soil fertility in the area.

Nankokwe catchment, under Senior Chief Masasa in Ntcheu, has over 1,000 participants who are constructing swales, marking ridges, gully reclamation and afforestation among other interventions.

The CS-EPWP is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) across the country with funding from the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.