By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 3, Mana: Dedza District Commissioner, Thomas Chigwenembe, has hailed communities under Traditional Authority (TA) Kasumbu in the district for conserving land and water to address hunger and other climate related challenges.
He made the remarks Friday during Dedza District Council Integrated Catchment Conservation and Management Campaign launch at Mpotola Village.
Chigwenembe was impressed with a 19 hectare pine tree woodlot of about 10,000 trees; a 4.5 hectare natural regeneration forest with soak pits; a 15 hectare river diversion irrigation scheme, swales construction, gully reclamation and other initiatives.
Most of the initiatives were pioneered by the communities and supported by MASAF-4 project about eight years ago.
“It is very encouraging to hear from the communities that these efforts have contributed to water retention. Despite drought in the past farming season, many say they have done well in their fields and are now continuing with irrigation farming,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the integrated catchment management launch will bring similar impact across the district.
Village Headman Mpotola said the interventions date back to 2015 following guidance from an extension worker from the area.
He said proceeds from the pine trees will be used to construct primary classroom blocks in the community to reduce the 5-kilometre distance learners walk to Kayenda in pursuit of their education.
TA Kasumbu said she would leave no stone unturned to ensure the interventions are sustained warning that she will continue taking to task anyone contravening by-laws including chief's directions.
Dedza District Land Resource Conservation Officer, Franklin Gomani, said various land reclamation and soil conservation interventions in the district are bearing positive fruits.
“Around 2014, Dedza was losing 29 metric tons of soil per hectare per year. We have not done any research recently but we have noticed a reduction in floods and fewer siltation, which means we have managed to reduce surface run-offs.
