Nsanje District Goes Green to Combat Floods

Malawi: Nsanje district in Malawi has been plagued by devastating floods for generations, but this is about to change thanks to a new afforestation program initiated by the District Council in 2021, writes Moses Thole.

The project, which involves planting trees along river banks, is aimed at controlling siltation and soil erosion in the region.

"It was always worrisome when rainy seasons came because then we always knew that was the start of a disaster," said Maria Tembo, a member of the community.

"When the rains came a few years ago, I was coming from the garden and found that all my household utensils were gone. I was stranded, it was difficult to replace them because I was financially handicapped."

However, Tembo adds, "Since two years ago, the situation has started to change, as floods are by-passing our compound because of the trees we planted."

Aron Thimu, another member of the community, says, "I have preserved my land which is along a river bank. If the project did not come, I can say I have lost arable land due to floods. But I'm happy to say that the land has been preserved because I planted trees around my compound and all my fields."

"We are aware that communities in Shire Valley were heavily affected by floods due to tropical Cyclone Anna and Gombe," says Noel Moyo, Nsanje District Forestry Officer.

"Most rivers in Shire Valley are filled with silt due to soil erosion. Trees help to prevent soil erosion by binding soils together and improving soil fertility hence improving infiltration, that's why we have dedicated ourselves to continuing with the Project."

So far, the forestry office has already planted 350 seedlings from 900,000 seedlings that they intend to plant this year along Nyamithuthu, Nyachipere, Nkhadzi, and Lalanje river banks.

"We need to take care of these trees. People need to exercise ownership of the trees and whoever is found cutting these trees should face by-laws set by the villages," says Kafandikhale Mandevana, Member of Parliament for Nsanje Central Constituency.

The Director of the Wildlife and Environmental Society in Malawi (WESM), Yasin Rasheed Malandula, has commended the efforts of Nsanje District Council.

This year, the district forestry office has secured 500,000 kwacha for the tree planting exercise along the river banks.

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