By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, February 11, Mana: As the tree planting season progresses, participants of the climate Smart Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Chiradzulu District have planned to plant about 200,000 trees to combat land degradation.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, CS-EPWP District Project Facilitator for Chiradzulu, Emmanuel Daka expressed optimism that the district will surpass the target, saying trees are being planted on a large scale.

"Currently, we are in phase four of continuous implementation of the programme and our focus is agroforestry. So, we are planting trees on mountains, conserved areas and river banks.  

"We are also planting soil replenishing species like gelsedia and vetiva in farming fields. Looking at how we have started, I am satisfied with the quality of work being done in the catchments," he said.

According to Daka, participants have raised 200,000 tree seedlings across all 15 catchment areas in the district, while partners like One Acre Fund are also supporting the initiative by providing additional seedlings.

He, however, urged the participants to actively monitor and care for the planted trees to ensure a high survival rate and long-term benefits for local communities.

Chiradzulu District Council Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dennis Emmanuel Zingeni hailed the tree-planting initiative, saying it will mitigate the impact of natural disasters in the district, especially among farming communities.

"Chiradzulu experiences challenges like floods, soil erosion, and drought. So, these land conservation measures they are doing under CS-EPWP are very crucial as they are not only protecting the environment but also contributing to the reduction of hunger in the district," Zingeni said.

Meanwhile, Extension Worker for Nankhumwa Catchment Area in Traditional Authority Nkalo, Kenneth Mpando, has disclosed plans to plant over 25,000 trees along the Namitembe river and in surrounding farming fields to stabilize the riverbanks.

"During the rainy season, this river overflows, causing floods that wash away crops and fertile soil from fields. So, last year we prepared a nursery of 25,000 tree seedlings which we are planting now to minimize such damage," he said.