Communities at Lumbe Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Chekucheku in Neno District have hailed the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) for bringing into glory Ndiliswa Forest Reserve which was degraded by human activities.

Speaking in an interview, Mtuwanjovu Catchment Management Committee (CMC) member, John Vericio said since they started working in the forest reserve under the CS-EPWP, the forest is regaining its lost glory.

“This forest used to boast of indigenous trees and grass but was heavily degraded by human activities like cutting down of trees for charcoal production and firewood and bush fires as no one was taking responsibility,” Vericio said.

Vericio said before the programme was introduced, Ndiliswa Forest Reserve suffered from human activities, rendering the forest bare but now as they are working in the forest promoting natural regeneration, the forest looks promising.

Another participant, Eness Chamasowa, who is also a CMC member said they are caring for the forest by making major and minor firebreaks, digging swales, pruning and cutting tall grasses in the forest.

Chamasowa said since they started working in the forest two years ago, the forest is regaining its vegetative cover.

She said the CMC members together with all the 90 participants working in the forest do patrols to make sure that people do not encroach in the forest or set bush fires.

“We are also working with our local leaders and they have set rules to make sure that anyone who encroaches in the forest is punished and the chief has also set a village patrol team which does the patrols jointly with the CMC,” she said.

Chamasowa said communities now have taken responsibility in taking care of the forest unlike in the past where people could cut down trees in the forest.

She, therefore, said even if the project phases out, community members will continue safeguarding the forest until it is restored and conserved in collaboration with the chiefs as they have seen the benefits of the trees including fresh air.

Neno District Council Forest Officer, Eric Mbingwane said the district is grappling with illegal harvesting of trees by communities for charcoal production which is resulting into depletion of trees and forest reserves.

Mbingwane said the department has intensified patrols by the forest office and communities to ensure that there is no illegal cutting down of trees.

“We are also sensitising communities on the importance of protecting trees so that they take ownership in conserving natural resources,” Mbingwane added.

He, however, said the department faces transport challenges and inadequate personnel to cover all areas in the district.

According to Neno District Desk Officer for CS-EPWP, Vincent Sambuka, there are 14,316 participants in the district participating in the 14 catchments areas in the third cycle.

CS-EPWP is a component under Malawi government Social support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP) funded by the World Bank and the Multi Donor Trust Fund aimed at empowering communities in land conservation activities.