Dr Kenneth Wiyo, an Irrigation and Water Engineer from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources- (LUANAR) has suggested that government and donors should incorporate tree planting initiative into social cash transfer to ensure massive reforestation exercise.
Dr. Wiyo said this on Friday at LUANAR, Bunda Campus in Lilongwe during a workshop on sustainable Watershed Management.
He also said that authorities can ensure that those planting and taking care of the tress should benefit from social cash transfer which is given out for free and intends to support the poorer.
“If government and donors could stop giving out free cash transfer, in return citizens work on trees, the country would make huge progress on reforestation”, said Wiyo.
He further explained on how those trees can easily grow through this idea, then there could not be fears of inadequate seedlings as they have calculated that every household can plant 2,000 trees in 10 years, and 200,000 nationwide.
The suggestion come when the country’s watersheds have changed following an increase in cases of foods, dry rivers and low flow. He advised that his fellow engineers to change their approach on designs of changing river hydrology.
He added that more importantly, they should be engaged in watershed management from up stream. They are usually having surface run-off during rainy season which is causing floods. When they are designing a bridge or culvert for irrigation should comply to all patterns and allow water to flow.
Dr. Wiyo encouraged reforestation in areas along the river banks and urge people allow natural regeneration of trees through collaborative work.
Deputy Director for Land Resources and Conservation in Ministry of Agriculture McPherson Nthala expressed gratitude over LAUNAR efforts to restore forest cover in the country, saying will help to restore the lost trees.
Nthala said as policy holder they are promoting sustainable land management activities on catchment areas. Lost of watersheds is putting they lives in danger and should do something for better of Malawi.
Senior Chief Masumbankhunda called for collaborative efforts to ensure that reforestation takes shape, and watersheds reserved.
He advised for more awareness campaigns to ensure that the masses contribute to the planting and care of trees to avoid further loss of watersheds.
