Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Services Project (MWASIP) has disbursed grants worth K285 million to communities implementing sustainable land management activities in Zomba District.
The funds are meant to encourage beneficiaries to continue conserving the environment while establishing small scale businesses.
Speaking during the funds disbursement exercise at Chingale, District Commissioner (DC) of Zomba Reignhard Chavula, advised them to invest the money into profitable enterprises.
MWASIP Technical Officer, Joseph Kanyangalazi, said the catchment developmental conservation fund is aimed at encouraging farmers to conserve the environment and so far, farmers in Zomba have managed to restore 7000 hectares.
Joseph Kachimanga, one of the beneficiaries said the gesture has re-energised the team’s spirit of protecting the environment.
MWASIP has been implementing sustainable land management activities for over four years in Chingale, an area located along the Shire River basin.
The project’s objective is to reduce soil degradation and prevent the drying up of the Shire River caused by soil erosion.
By Emily M’mangisa, MANA
