By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, February 6, Mana: Some communities in the areas of Traditional Authority (TA) Zolokere and Sub TA Chisovya in Rumphi have excavated storm drains and constructed check dams to help fight flooding and enhance farming in their areas.

GVH Kalindamawe in the area of TA Zolokere said in an interview on Monday that the area has always had flooding challenges which have constantly affected farming, leading to food insecurity.

He said villagers, through Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), started making the drains last year to protect their farm lands from waterlogging and flooding.

"They [drains] have helped with draining water from our farmlands to the rivers which enables us cultivate our fields without challenges. Our harvest has also improved this year," he said.

CS-EPWP Designated Desk Officer for Ng'onga Catchment Area, Lazarus Chilongo, said communities at Beira in the area of STA Chisovya are similarly constructing check dams to protect their farms from being washed away.

"We are also trying to protect Beira Bridge which is a lifeline for people here. It links them to the Boma for trade and healthcare. We are working hard to slow the speed of water through the check dams to protect it," he said.

District Liason Officer for CS-EPWP in Rumphi, Hastings Makonokaya, said tree planting as well as storm drains and check dam’s construction are some of the interventions used in different catchment areas to restore degraded land.

CS-EPWP is Malawi Government Programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods (SSRLP), facilitated by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with funding from Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and the World Bank.