Traditional leaders in Muchinga Province have hailed government for implementing phase two of the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) project which they said will help improve the livelihoods of communities through climate‑smart practices.
Senior Chief Nkula of the bemba people of Chinsali district, says the project will help communities to adopt forest conservation practices that will benefit them in various ways.
Senior Chief Nkula has called on traditional leaders to embrace the project that aims at uplifting the livelihoods of their subjects.
The traditional leader said this during the TRALARD II engagement and on-boarding meeting in Isoka with Chiefs from Mafinga, Chinsali, Nakonde and Isoka districts.
He explained that collaboration between the government and the traditional leaders will ensure successful implementation of the project and benefit everyone through carbon credits.
“This project is welcome because it is climate sensitive and it is helping us to conserve our forests while benefiting from the practices that TRALARD has brought on board,” he added.
And Chief Kafwimbi of the Iwa-Namwanga people of Isoka district, said the TRALARD II project will help facilitate development in various chiefdoms.
Chief Kafwimbi stated that the involvement of traditional leaders is a commendable move, stressing that the partnership is a significant step in ensuring communities understand the importance of the project.
“We will ensure that subjects understand this good initiative so that the message is spread to all our people for them to desist from practices that threaten forest reserves,” he said.
The Traditional leader further implored TRALARD II implementing partners, to ensure timely monitoring of the project to guarantee its success.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Brian Sichande, said traditional leaders are critical in promoting accountability, strengthening trust and ensuring sustainability, long after external financial ends.
Mr Sichande said the partnership aligns with the National Green Growth Strategy that places communities at the centre of sustainable development.
“I wish to thank you, for accepting the implementation of this project in your various chiefdoms as this demonstrates the government’s good collaboration with traditional leaders in development,” he stated.
The TRALARD II project will run from 2026 to 2030 and will be implemented in all the eight districts in Muchinga Province.
