For the past few years Malawi has been affected by disastrous weather conditions which has negatively impacted on people’s lives and livelihood.
The lack of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, combined with people’s vulnerability to climate risks, is making disaster losses more severe.
Malawi Red Cross Society climate change program supported by Flanders government through Belgian Red Cross titled ‘Strengthening community resilience to climate change through nature-based solutions in rural communities in Phalombe and Blantyre, is yielding results, midway into implementation.
The project aims at addressing the challenges of climate change through nature-based solutions and community resilience-building measures.
For example, in Phalombe district Beneficiaries and stakeholders have testified.
Through the project, 150 lead farmers across Traditional Authority Nkhulambe were trained in Climate Smart Agriculture in areas such as agroforestry, mulching farming, mixed cropping, production of organic fertilizer and local methods of dealing with Fall Army Worms.
Albert Makondetsa a lead farmer from Nkhulambe village said; “Previously our farming was just basic, we could prepare huge land but harvesting less, as we could not know some new ways in the wake of Climate change. Now Red Cross has imparted new knowledge, we have trained other follower farmers, we are harvesting more, while preserving environment”.
Petro Dziwanani is from, Group Village Headman Degadega and he said; “I have planted 90 agroforestry trees in my field that can help to bring fertility and 20 fruit trees that will help my family to start business and have food.”
Phalombe District Principal Agriculture Officer Glyn Chitete has since commended the Red Cross project interventions in the district.
“What Red Cross is implementing in Climate Smart Agriculture is aligning well with government priorities in Agenda 2063 on Food security and environment, we look forward to improved communities now and beyond,” said Chitete.
Apart from Climate Smart Agriculture and Afro- forestry, this Malawi Red Cross Society two -year project is also supporting 10 Village Disaster Risk Management Committees (VDRMCs) in the same Traditional Authority to give them capacity in preparedness and response against disasters.
They were later supported with Seasonal Weather Forecast Banner, Stretcher, Solar Lamps, Mega Phone, First Aid Kit and Mobile Phones to assist the communities in Search and Rescue, Early Warning and First Aid.
Some secondary schools in the district have revamped Disaster Risk Management Clubs where leaners do establish trees planting initiatives to achieve a vegetative cover within their premises and also awareness raising to surrounding communities in conserving the environment.
MRCS Coordinator for the project Goerge Mwimaniwa is hopeful the project is on track midway through implementation.
“The project has already exceeded its targets. Each of the 10 communities now has functional committees for natural resources, disaster risk management, and early warning, alongside farmer clubs led by trained lead farmers, School DRM clubs, and Village savings and loans groups,” Said Mwimaniwa.
“These efforts have established a robust foundation for sustainable and climate-friendly agricultural and forestry practices, as well as enhanced disaster preparedness. Notably, a total of 111,000 trees have been planted, surpassing the annual target of 50,000,” He added.
