Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) has provided matching grants worth K557 million to farmer groups and agri-enterprises in Lower Lingamasa catchment in Mangochi District.
Director for MWASIP, Joseph Kanyangalazi, said they decided to issue the grants in order to ensure that communities within Shire River basin in Mangochi have alternative businesses instead of degrading the environment.
Chairperson for Mangochi District Council, Councillor Yusuf Abdullar, commended the government for the project, saying that apart from helping to restore environment, it will economically improve the livelihood of communities in the district.
The project has also provided support towards extension services, including provision of five new motorcycles amounting to K 70 million to extension workers in the catchment.
MWASIP intends to restore over to 4500 hectors of land in Mangochi through plantation of trees, creation of stone bands amongst some projects, along the river bank.
By Bishop Witmos, MANA
