Communities in Phalombe are set to benefit from support under the Transformational Adaptation for Climate Resilience in Lake Chilwa Basin of Malawi (TRANSFORM) project, which promotes afforestation and irrigation farming to strengthen resilience against climate change.
The project team conducted a media tour of Makwinja Village in Traditional Authority Chiwalo, visiting Nambera Tree Nursery and Namazengeza Irrigation Scheme in Paramount Chief Kaduya’s area.
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Speaking during the tour, Group Village Head Nambera described the afforestation initiative as timely in responding to natural disasters, including floods caused by changing weather patterns.
“Climate change is no longer a distant issue; it is here with us. It has brought a number of challenges, leading to food insecurity at household level due to dry spells. Floods also create water challenges, with crop fields submerged,” Nambera said.
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He added that floods from the Sombani River have caused health and environmental problems. Nambera highlighted that the TRANSFORM project could help communities conserve the environment, prevent soil erosion, restore soil fertility, and prepare for future climate challenges.
“The project has mobilized communities to actively participate in climate-smart agricultural practices,” he said.
The TRANSFORM project is implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, with support from the UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It focuses on climate financing, land restoration, and knowledge management in districts surrounding Lake Chilwa.
Phalombe District Principal Irrigation Officer, Jackson Manda, said the project would rehabilitate 7.8 hectares of Namazengeza Irrigation Scheme out of 18 hectares with K197 million, and Mlambe Irrigation Scheme with K240 million. The work includes constructing water tanks, installing pipes, and providing solar panels.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change Public Relations Officer Tikondane Vega said the project helps communities restore degraded land, plant trees, conserve water, and diversify livelihoods.
“The nurseries supply seedlings for forest restoration, and irrigation schemes help farmers grow crops even when rains fail. These are practical examples of ecosystem-based adaptation, using nature to protect people and livelihoods,” Vega said.
He emphasized that adaptation is essential and requires strong community participation and support from global climate financing.
“TRANSFORM is making a difference by enabling farmers to plant trees and adopt irrigation farming, ensuring food security,” he added.
Vega noted that communities become resilient when forests are restored and residents are equipped with relevant knowledge to share among themselves.
The project has also donated equipment to Nambera Tree Nursery, including two 210-litre drums, two wheelbarrows, four watering cans, two pangas, and one trolley to strengthen afforestation efforts.
TRANSFORM is being implemented in Phalombe, Zomba, and Machinga, where farmers are currently growing maize, tomatoes, pumpkin leaves, and other vegetables to improve livelihoods.
