Minister of Natural Resources, Patricia Wiskesi, says communities have a role to play in restoring degraded landscapes.
Wiskesi said this during a visit to Msambadzukulu Village Forest in the area of Traditional Authority Jenara, Phalombe District, today.
Msambadzukulu Village Forest is a 3.5-hectare forest that is protected and managed by the local community.
The minister also commended the community for combining conservation with livelihood activities.
She said such initiatives align with the government’s goal of climate resilience.
The minister also visited the Mulambe Irrigation Scheme under the Transform Project in the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Using groundwater pumped by solar power, communities in Traditional Authority Jenara are irrigating 8 hectares of land to grow maize and legumes.
Chairperson of the scheme, Laison Makupala, said once completed in all aspects, proceeds from the harvest will increase, improving food security and household incomes.
According to Makupala, the scheme’s completion rate is now at 98%.
By Beatrice Juma
