Traditional leaders in Likoma have embraced Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme to enhance efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change in the district.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday, group village head Chamba also urged his subjects to own the projects implemented under the programme.

He said communities should take advantage of the programme to plant more trees to address deforestation.

“Traditional leaders have the responsibility to facilitate the formulation of by-laws to protect forests and ensure that planted trees survive.

“We plant trees every year but our forestry coverage is not improving. As a result, fertile soils continue to be washed away. So, let us embrace initiatives under the programme such as planting trees,” said Chamba.

On his part, group village head Mutaya commended government for introducing the programme.

He said community members were constructing stone bands, check dams and other structures to check run-off to prevent soil erosion.

“These interventions will improve soil fertility, which will enhance crop production in the district,” said Mutaya.

He, however, said the programme has empowered people economically as they receive wages after working for 12 days a month.

Likoma district commissioner Abubakar Nkhoma commended the traditional leaders for embracing the programme.

“The interventions seek to restore degraded landscapes and soil fertility, which will enhance agricultural productivity for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

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