By Bishop Witmos

Mangochi, November 8, Mana:  World Bank funded Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) empowers communities in Mangochi to adopt means and ways of responding to land degradation through construction of sustainable assets such as deep trenches and stone bunds.

Mangochi was amongst districts that were heavily affected by Tropical Cyclone Fredddy, which induced floods that caused havoc to communities, and left thousands of Malawians homeless and food insecure.

Speaking during a tour of catchments in the district this week, community member in the area of Traditional Authority Jalasi, Emily Thomas said that the area has for so long been heavily affected by floods and a dry spells which in turn left many households food insecure as a result of low crop production.

“Due to deforestation, a number of areas in our community are bare, and as a result, we have been affected by water run-off from highlands.

“As such, we believe that the construction of assets such as deep trenches and stone bunds will assist to minimize the impact of the hazards as they are able to control run- off of water. We are thankful to government for introducing the programme,” Thomas added.

In his remarks, Agricultural Extension Development Coordinator (AEDC) for Ntiya Extension Planning Area, Frank Banda said that apart from minimizing effects of flooding, interventions that are carried out through CS-EPWP in the area will also help to improve food production at household level.

“Deep trenches, swales, as well check dams are able to catch water, and they help moisture content in the soil which help to improve crop production,” Banda added.

Desk Officer for CS-EPWP in Mangochi, Francis Mbirisa, said the programme is a sub-component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project and is being implemented in 28 district councils in Malawi to restore and conserve the environment.

“In Mangochi the programme is being implemented in 22 catchments of the district, and at the moment about 25, 465 participants are benefiting from the project. The council is for far satisfied with its progress,” said Mbirisa.