By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, July 31, mana: Mzimba based extension workers have been challenged to share knowledge they gain from various trainings with local structures in order to benefit local communities and improve the environment.

Speaking on Saturday in Mzuzu during a training for extension workers from Mzimba under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme, District Commissioner for the District, Rodney Simwaka said extension workers are the bedrock of agricultural field work hence success in the field can be registered if they share knowledge gained during the training with local structures.

‘‘Extension workers are vital on which the success of all agricultural activities revolve around because they work on the ground with local structures. If we need to implement agricultural activities in areas such as forestry and farming extension workers are critical. But they should be able to work with the communities and share the knowledge, ’’said Simwaka.

Simwaka said Mzimba just like most districts in Malawi is facing environmental degradation due to among other factors tree cutting due to charcoal burning. He also lamented the low tree survival rate.

‘‘Taking care of the environment should be a shared a responsibility. This means the extension workers should be able to work with local clubs and everyone in the local communities on conserving the environment.’’

Simwaka said the training was organised with an aim of imparting skills to the extension workers on how they can set up woodlots and nurseries and also take care of the general environment.

Director of environment and natural resources for Mzimba, Ezra Mbendera challenged the extension workers to work hard in preserving the environment by involving grassroots structures.

One of the extension workers, Jimmy Allan Phiri from Champhira extension area said the training helped him get insights on establishment of woodlots and nurseries.

The programme is being implemented by Malawi government through the National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from World Bank.

It focuses on land resource and forestry conservation to improve soil fertility as a means of responding to effects of climate change.