Machinga’s deforestation attributed to shortage of staff in Forestry Department

Shortage of staff in the Forestry Department has been highlighted as one of the factors contributing to rapid deforestation in Machinga.

The authorities said the shortage of staff is negatively affecting law enforcement in Traditional Authority Nkula.

Mobility challenges among the forest rangers is another challenge the department named as a a problem.

Traditional Authority Nkula made the sentiments on Thursday when Development Concept Trust made a donation of various items to people who were affected by Cyclone Freddy in the area.

According to Nkula, charcoal production in his area has left bare grounds as charcoal producers are large in numbers compared to law enforcers, which he said, is making the area prone to disasters like floods.

“Lack of staff in the forest department has affected our forests alot, people have been cutting down trees anyhow because there has been no enough protection in our forests,” he said.

Development Concept Executive Director Chipiliro Phiri said his organisation will take part in helping to restore the environment by planting trees.

“Looking at the impact, which Cyclone Freddy has caused, we think of building resilience to the communities, planting trees and also doing climate smart Agriculture interventiom to make sure that communities are able to harvest after the Cyclones,” said Phiri.

Among other things, Development Concept has donated assorted food and non-food items worth K10 million.