In the heart of Phalombe District, where the scars of cyclones and environmental degradation were once the harsh reality for farmers, the Mpatsa Watershed Management Project has transformed lives.
The collaborative efforts of the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision have breathed new life into the land, ensuring that farmers like Scot Chizombe, once struggling with poor yields, now see a future filled with prosperity.
A new era for Mpatsa Hill Farmers
A farmer from the area, Scot Chizombe, recalls the days when he could barely harvest two to three bags of maize from his half-acre farm due to heavy rains induced by cyclones. The storms, particularly Tropical Cyclone Idai in 2019, devastated the land, washing away crops and leaving farmers vulnerable.
“I used to leave my wife and five children and trek into Mozambique to cultivate maize, just to feed them,” Chizombe says. “But now, thanks to the watershed management project, I no longer have to do that. I am able to feed my family with what I produce right here.”
The restoration of the Mpatsa Watershed through tree planting, natural regeneration, and other sustainable farming techniques has led to a noticeable improvement in Chizombe’s yields. In 2021 – 2021, he harvested 15 bags of maize, up from just three bags in previous seasons. By 2021-2022, he had achieved 21 bags.
“The trees planted on Mpatsa Hill have made a massive difference. The soil erosion is no longer a problem, and I no longer lose my fertilizer to surface runoff,” he adds.
The Mpatsa Watershed Management Project has also fostered economic growth beyond farming. Chizombe has been able to buy goats and chickens, providing him with an additional source of income. His success story is a direct result of the collaborative efforts of the WFP, World Vision, and local communities in Phalombe.
From floods to flourishing farms
Frank Likaka, Chairperson of the 590-member Mpatsa Watershed Management Committee, explains that before the project, poverty in the area was exacerbated by the environmental destruction caused by quarrying and land degradation.
“Once the hill was blasted and no environmental reclamation was done, surrounding villages suffered from uncontrollable runoff, leading to flooding and crop washaways,” Likaka shares. “But after the restoration efforts, food security has improved. We are now cultivating our crops and harvesting better yields.”
Likaka credits the success of the project to the combined efforts of men and women, including the planting of 15,510 trees on the hill and at its base. The trees, now growing over two meters tall, have played a crucial role in preventing further soil erosion and managing surface runoff.
Empowering farmers through financial inclusion
To further build resilience, WFP and World Vision established the Mgwirizano Voluntary Savings and Loans Group (VSL), a savings initiative that enables farmers to improve their financial stability.
The group has flourished, raising K1,080,000 in the 2024 – 2025 season alone, with the highest dividend reaching K120,000. Through this initiative, members also receive a token of appreciation for their contributions to watershed work, reinforcing the importance of their role in maintaining the restored landscape.
One of the female farmers from Traditional Authority Mkhumba in Phalombe, is another beneficiary of the VSL initiative.
“The savings group has helped me improve my financial situation,” Kalani explains. “I have been able to buy goats and start small-scale poultry farming, which helps me support my family.”
Kalani’s story highlights the ripple effect of the watershed restoration project. It is not only transforming farming practices but also giving women the financial independence and empowerment they need to thrive in their communities.
A Global model for environmental resilience
The restoration of Mpatsa Hill aligns with the Malawi Government’s broader efforts to promote environmental resilience. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change’s 2024 – 2025 targets to restore 22,000 hectares of degraded land and plant 40 million tree seedlings fits perfectly with the goals of the Malawi National Resilience Strategy (2018 – 2030). This strategy aims to break the cycle of food insecurity and build resilience to climate-related shocks.
The Malawi Food Systems Resilience Programme (MFSRP) further supports these efforts by promoting climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry, recognizing sustainable forest restoration as essential for building resilient agricultural systems.
“The impact of this project extends far beyond local borders,” says Charles Mkoka, an environmental expert and Executive Director of the Co-ordination Unit for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE).
“Restoring degraded landscapes and empowering local communities is directly in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 2 on ending hunger, ” adds Mkoka.
With the lessons learned from the Mpatsa Watershed Management Project, there is hope that Phalombe’s success story will inspire other regions in Malawi and beyond to restore their environments and build sustainable, prosperous futures.
A future built on sustainability
The Mpatsa Watershed Management Project is a beacon of hope for the farmers of Phalombe. Through sustainable practices, financial empowerment, and reforestation, the project has transformed not just the land but the lives of its people. As the trees continue to grow, so does the promise of a more resilient, food-secure future for Malawi’s rural communities.
This initiative did not go unnoticed by traditional leaders in the area, such as Group Village Head Mkhumba.
“This project is a testament to what communities, local governments, and development partners can achieve when they work together to restore both the environment and livelihoods. Mpatsa Hill now stands as a symbol of resilience for all of Malawi,” says GVH Mkhumba.
