A group of women participating in Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) at Gumi catchment, under Senior Chief Mwirang’ombe in Karonga, are spearheading a river training project to mitigate flooding, which affects their community annually.

The project, aimed at controlling flooding and erosion along Mswero riverbank, has brought together women from nearby Mphizi and Mwakabanga villages who are working alongside men to construct a channel for the river which runs through the middle of their community and has long been a source of destruction.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency on Friday, a participant from Mphizi village Martha Mteya said while Mswero River provides water and fertile soil for the villagers’ crops, its annual flooding has also been destroying homes and livelihoods.

The women pose at channel they are digging

“Every year when the rain season starts, the river floods washing away our fields, homes and livestock downstream. Last season, a lot of cattle were washed away so we have decided to do something about it. This is why we are digging this channel which was buried due to siltation,” said Mteya.

“Under the guidance of our designated officers, we have learned various river training techniques, including the construction of floodwalls and river bank stabilization systems. We have also been trained in environmental conservation, learning how to plant and maintain vegetation along the riverbanks to prevent erosion,” she added.

Another woman involved in the project, Mary Mhango, expressed her pride and satisfaction with the work they have accomplished so far.

“We have learned so much, not just about river training, but about working together as a team and taking care of our environment. This project has given us a sense of purpose and ownership, and we are determined to see it through,” she said.

Women busy at work digging a river channel

According to Desk Officer for CS-EPWP at Karonga District Council, Mirabel Munthali, the programme has had a significant impact on the local economy, providing employment opportunities for many of the women involved.

“In addition to their work on the river training project, the women are also receiving K48 000 as wages and some have joined Village Savings and Loan groups, further boosting their economic independence,” said Munthali.

She added that it was inspiring to see women working hard in the programme to maintain and conserve the environment for future generations.

“I would like to urge all female participants working under the programme in Karonga to keep up the good work. Similar initiatives, if emulated all over our flood-prone district, have a potential to make positive impacts in communities,” she added.