Government has praised a community forest conservation group in Mafinga District IN Muchinga Province for its contribution to the protection of the Luangwa River source through forest conservation efforts.
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Douty Chimbamba said the Lighton Community Forest Management Group from Chief Mwenechifungwe’s Chiefdom in Mafinga is protecting over 300 hectares of forestry a development he said is key in the preservation of the Luangwa River source.
ZANIS reports that Dr Chibamba said this when he led the national Steering Committee for the Sustainable Luangwa Project to check on efforts that communities are making in the preservation of the river source.
He commended the group for showing commitment to the calls of protecting the forestry.
“I’m very impressed that the community themselves can do this and you can see that the forest looks quite intact and we know that we can even make it much better “he said.
He has pledged government commitment to support the group with necessary tools such as beehives and small animals to enable them to engage in alternative livelihood.
“All they need is a small incentive when we give beehives, we will give them small livestock to enable them engage in alternative livelihood “he said
The permanent who also visited a farmer group that is involved in climate smart agriculture commended the cooperatives for its strides.
Dr Chimbamba explained that the group is making compost manure which they are using in their agriculture production.
He said the group is able to use compost to increase crop production.
“The group has indicated that by using compost manure through climate smart agriculture, they are able to increase production. They can produce more maize in a lima than they can using other methods, “he said.
Meanwhile, Lighton Community Forest Management Group Chairperson, Godwin Simbeye said his group is making these efforts to conserve forestry after they have educated on its importance.
He said by conserving forest, people are now able to pick mushrooms, engage in bee keeping and other productive ventures.
He added that they have also been educated that by doing these efforts they are preserving the existence of the Luangwa River so that it does now dry up.
And Ackson Simbeye who is head of Enterprise for the group also outlined the benefits of forestry conservation stating that communities can benefit from carbon trade.
He stated the group is also encouraging everyone in the community to desist from the cutting trees.
And Steward Kaira, a lead farmer from Muleya Cooperative said the group has benefited from the training of the Sustainable Luangwa Project and is able to make its own organic manure through compost.
He said people are now able to make their own compost manure which has also enabled them to increase production while not worrying about chemical fertilizer.
“This farming is helping us and we are now able to make our fertilizer and not worry about the expense of buying chemical fertilizer “he said.
The Sustainable Luangwa Project is a government support project that aims to protect the source of the Luangwa River in Mafinga District, Muchinga.
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