By Golden Kang'oma

Salima, April 17, Mana: Assemblies of God Care has been commended for its role in community empowerment and improving livelihoods through diverse initiatives being implemented by Conservation of Natural Resources for Sustainable Economic Returns (CONCERVE).

Implemented by Assemblies of God Care, a development arm of the Malawi Assemblies of God, the project focuses on enhancing the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations residing on the outskirts of Thuma forest and Kuti Wildlife Reserve.

Speaking after touring the project’s initiatives in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Chisamba, Salima District Council's Acting Director of Natural Resources and Environment, Adam Jason highlighted that the strides being made through the project continue to change lives.

He said the interventions that are taking place through the project which include reclamation of gullies, trainings on production of locally made fertilizer (Mbeya) and establishment of woodlots are improving the environment and restoring soil fertility.

"Establishing of community forests and Vetiver grass nurseries in order to conserve soil have changed the yields that communities harvest because they have adopted these approaches into their community practice," Jason said.

He said that, "AG Care's initiatives complement government efforts in poverty alleviation and uplifting livelihoods, and emphasized the project's alignment with the District's Development Plans (DDP) which is key in community's development and the district as a whole."

The project is being implemented in four Extension Planning Areas (EPA) namely; Makande, Katelera, Chinguluwe and Tembwe in TA’s Kalonga, Kambwiri and Chisamba.

One of the beneficiaries from TA Chisamba, Edna Kamtande hailed the project for assisting her to harvest better yields despite rainfall challenges.

She said incorporating locally made manure has helped her to have better yields because she was equipped with skills in coming up with the right formula and mixture of soil and manure.

Executive Director for AG Care, Brown Banda, expressed satisfaction with the project's outcomes, noting its sustainability and positive impact on communities.

"Project coordination is excellent, and communities are well-trained and enthusiastic about the programme's progress," he said.

Tearfund Country Director, Vincent Moyo, affirmed that they would continue providing support to AG Care as its implementing partner, in order to achieve the intended goal of enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of communities around Thuma Forest Reserve and Kuti Wildlife Reserve.

"I am impressed with the progress it has made in changing people's livelihoods and economic status," he said.

TA Chisamba affirmed the project's significance, pledging to ensure that communities acquire essential skills for sustainability as the project phases out of the area.

AG Care with funding from the Jersey Overseas Aid through Tearfund, is implementing CONSERVE Project in Salima district.