In an effort to improve the effectiveness of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) and address the shortcomings of the previous cycle, the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has initiated a comprehensive review of District Safety Net Plans (DSNPs) for 10 local councils (Karonga, Chitipa, Rumphi, Salima, Nkhotakota, Dowa, Nkhatabay, Likoma, Ntchisi and Lilongwe). The review aims to rectify gaps and ensure the successful implementation of CS-EPWP objectives.

Previously, the DSNPs were developed by 28 district councils using the Village Level Action Planning (VLAP) process. These plans consist of various sub-projects primarily focused on Land Resource Conservation and Forestry sectors, aligning with the goals of the CS-EPWP. However, a recent review of the first cycle of 2022/23 with 10 councils highlighted several deficiencies in the DSNPs and the overall process.

According to the Capacity Development Specialist at NLGFC, Robins Gausi, says that at the CS-EPWP review meeting, several key gaps were identified, raising concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of the projects.

“one major issue was the insufficient number of sub-projects to cover the project period which is three years. Furthermore, environmental and social safety guard issues were not adequately screened and documented, posing potential risks to the projects and local communities. Another area of concern was the improper capture of sub-project sizes or coverage, leading to overstated project sizes. Enrollment of participants lacked systematic procedures, resulting in numerous duplicates and under-enrollment in most districts. Participants also had to travel long distances to project sites, which affected the efficiency of implementation,” he said.

Gausi added that the review will follow a bottom-up approach, recognizing the participation of relevant grassroots structures such as Village Development Committees (VDC), Village Natural Resource Management Committees (VNRMC), and Area Development Committees (ADC).

“The review will also prioritize the "Hotspot approach," ensuring that sub-projects within VLAPs address land and forest degradation issues identified in specific high-risk areas’” added Gausi.

The National Local Government Finance Committee anticipates that this review process will address previous cycle's deficiencies and strengthen the implementation of the CS-EPWP objectives. The revised DSNPs aim to create sustainable safety nets that effectively combat land and forest degradation issues while promoting the overall welfare of local communities