Communities in Karonga District have applauded Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP), an initiative that they say would go a long way in promoting environmental conservation for improved livelihoods.
In an interview one of the beneficiaries of the programme, Resho Kuyokwa of Mwenemambwe Village under Traditional Authority (TA) Mwirang’ombe said that she was excited with the project from which they get wages after working, thereby improving households’ economic status.
“Besides protecting the environment and boosting agricultural productivity, the project has also provided job opportunities for a number of households,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Bridget Kalua, 26 of Nsanambe Village in the area of TA Wasambo who is responsible for training and community sensitization on the protection of river banks, said if well embraced, the project would lead to a reduction of flash floods in the district.
“Apart from protection of the river banks, I also lead them in various activities that help to ensure that eroded grounds are restored,” she said.
One of the members of the District Environmental Sub Committee at Karonga District Council, Lapken Liwago said that the program has succeeded in the implementation of several activities.
“Communities have done various activities such as afforestation and construction of check dams,” he added.
Liwago stated that land ownership issues have at times affected tree-planting activities as some people refuse to plant trees on their land.
Communities through the program, create land resources, and afforestation assets as those participating in its implementation receive wages.
The program aims at combating the effects of climate change and much of its focus is on improving the agricultural sector through sustainable management of the environment and land resources.
CSPWP is one of the government’s initiatives that is aimed at protecting the environment and improving agricultural productivity.