Communities in Karonga are reaping the benefits of the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) as the rain season continues.

On Wednesday, one of the participants of the programme from Sanambe Catchment, Alex Mwalilino said the programme which focuses on soil and water conservation works among others has helped farmers in the district to prepare for the rains and make the most of the water.

"Through the programme, communities constructed contour ridges, terracing, and irrigation canals to conserve water and reduce soil erosion. We did not think much of these works but now with the intensity of the rain, these conservation works will help to increase crop yields but also reduce the risk of flooding," said Mwalilino.

"The rains in Karonga are very unpredictable, but I have noted that the deep trenches which we dug have been holding water which is being used by my crops even if the rains stop falling for days and this year am sure I will harvest enough maize for my family,"he added.
Another participant of the project Paul Kamanga, a farmer from Walamba village in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu said last year he lost most of his crops due to flooding.

"But this year, thanks to the contour ridges and terracing, my crops are safe, and I'm expecting a bumper harvest. The project has also helped me to improve the livelihood of my family through the sell of organic fertilizer I am making," Kamanga said.

"I was provided with training on climate-smart agriculture practices through the programe which has enabled me to start organic fertilizer production at my house which I am selling at K80,000 per bag.,"he added.

According to the Land Resource and Conservation Officer for Karonga District Council Mirabel Munthali, the programme has positively transformed agriculture practices for farmers in Karonga.

"The programme has helped to increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance the resilience of communities to climate change,"Munthali said.

Karonga is prone to natural disasters like floods and dry spells but through the adoption of climate smart agriculture practices, farmers are adapting to the climate related shocks in the process reducing crop losses and improving yields," she added.