Environmental research

Context Malawi has experienced a number of adverse climatic hazards over the last several decades. Among these, the most serious have been dry spells, seasonal droughts, intense rainfall, riverine floods and flush floods. Of these, droughts and floods have increased in frequency, intensity and magnitude over the last two decades, and have adversely impacted on food and water security, water quality, energy and sustainable livelihoods of rural communities. Since Malawi relies on rain-fed agriculture, chronic droughts and flooding have severely disrupted food and cash crop production in several drought and flood prone districts, including Karonga. In Karonga district, Kalambo area experiences riverine flooding and disease outbreaks almost on yearly basis. Communities in the area are also energy insecure since the main household energy source, firewood, is not readily available. Siltation of Lufirya river bed is considered the main cause of flooding. It is intended therefore that the proposed project addresses problems of flooding of Lufirya River, scarcity of trees for both firewood and timber and nutritional and other health related disorders which emanate from stagnant flood waters. Strategies for achieving this will include stream bank protection, energy efficient technologies and enhancing community capacity to engage in sustainable forest management. Project s Main Objective To build capacity among people living in Kalambo area to adapt mechanisms for adaptation and mitigation to climatic change that are self sustainable. Implementation Strategy Sensitization of local communities (including youth groups) on climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction and energy conservation and management Promoting environmentally friendly alternative livelihood options for rural communities with emphasis on small scale businesses Promoting regeneration of and enhancing forest cover for Lufirya river banks and catchment area Networking with other development partners in the area Working with Government extension workers to utilize and promote technical skills Building the confidence of rural communities in making decisions on energy and other environmental conservation issues Key Project Outcomes 1. Increased public knowledge and awareness on climate change issues in particular and environmental management in general among communities in Kalambo area 2. Increased tree and general vegetative cover for Lufirya river banks and catchment area through tree planting and improved management of existing trees and other types of vegetation 3. Reduced flooding and flood related impacts on the people and environment in Kalambo area. 4. Increased understanding among communities on flood disaster risk reduction and sustainable coping strategies. 5. Reduced demand for fuel wood due to use of improved (fuel efficient) cooking stoves Sustainability of Project Results 1. Sensitization and training of rural communities on sustainable conservation and management of Lufirya river banks and catchment area will have long lasting impacts 2. Involvement of rural communities through participatory approaches in all stages of the project planning and implementation will ensure community ownership. 3. Linking communities to other stakeholders involved in environment and natural resources management. In addition the project area will also be targeted for future CADECOM interventions in order to consolidate gains made during this initial project. 4. Use of existing community leadership structures in project implementation, (including monitoring and evaluation) will ensure community ownership and responsibility. 5. Benefits realized (both social and economic) from project activities tend to act as an incentive for carrying on with activities even after project phase

Malawi