By Daniel Zimba
Natural Resources and Climate Change Minister Patricia Wiskes has said community members are key to addressing the impacts of climate change, including hunger, in the country.
She said this yesterday when she inspected the progress of Transformational Adaptation for Climate Resilience (Transform) Project in Phalombe District.
“We are encouraging community members to look at alternatives to ensure that we are building communities that are climate and food resilient,” Wiskes said.
She said the country remained vulnerable to climate-related shocks, which also contribute to cases of food insecurity.
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Wiskes said the project was, therefore, part of the government’s commitment to fighting the impact of climate change-induced challenges along the Lake Chilwa basin.
When she visited Tsambadzukulu Village Forest, under Sub Traditional Authority (T/A) Tamani, the minister learned that water scarcity was the main challenge affecting efforts to sustain the survival of the forest.
It was also established that community volunteers cover over 2 kilometres on foot when searching for water for irrigating the trees, which cover 3.50 hectares.
Community member Kennedy Chimimba said there was a need to find a solution to this.
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On the other hand, chairperson for a 8.5-hectare irrigation scheme, Lyson Makupala, said, using project support, they were cultivating maize, onions and vegetables.
Meanwhile, Phalombe District Commissioner Yobu Makina has urged community members to take care of project materials.
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, with support from the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility.
