Members of Tovi Catchment Management Committee (CMC) established under the Enhanced Public Works Programme (EPWP) in Dowa district, have challenged to work extra hard saying their micro-catchment area needs such an approach to overcome the devastating impact of land degradation the area is facing.
Tovi CMC described the impact of land degradation in the area as worse saying soil loss is extreme. This was said after watching Njira Integrated Watershed Management documentary showcasing best practices, successes and lessons of Njira project that was implemented in Machinga and Balaka districts.
Speaking in an interview with NLGFC, chairperson for Tovi CMC, Jabesi Kambidzeni said his committee is geared to coordinate the implementation of the programme on the ground saying the Njira documentary has just supplemented existing knowledge on catchment management approach.
“As a committee we know our situation here and we have been equipped with appropriate knowledge that will enable us coordinate the practical part at community level. The documentary has enlightened us on best practices we can apply as we will be implementing different activities of the programme. This is a plus to us because we now have a picture of our future catchment area, we believe we will do the best so that others can also learn from us in the near future,” said Kambidzeni.
Patrick Taulo, extension worker under Chibvala Extension Planning Area (EPA), said the approach National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) is taking in equipping the committees with necessary skills and knowledge prior to the actual implementation of the programme is good for the success of the project.
“So far, the committee has undergone several trainings on catchment management. They have done trainings on physical soil and water conservation practices, nursery establishment, agroforestry and others. This time NLGFC has come with a video documentary on best practices, successes and lessons from Njira project. This will further enhance the knowledge and understanding on how best the people can implement the activities for better results,” said Taulo.
Tovi CMC is among five CMCs in Dowa district to have watched the Njira project documentary for smooth implementation of EPWP. NLGFC established CMCs in all the EPWP micro-catchment areas to supervise and monitor watershed activities and guide the work conducted by the public works participants when the project rolls out.
NLGFC with funding from World Bank is implementing EPWP pilot project in 10 districts of Malawi. This project aims at conserving natural resources through a holistic catchment management approach. EPWP targets 1000 participants per district and a maximum of 5 micro-catchment in each of the districts, not larger than 250 hectors each.
Story Credit: Tiyanjane Nandie Mambucha, District Information Officer, Dowa
