malawi_cca and mitigation best practices_oct 2012

OCTOBER, 2012

Malawi Government

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Best Practices in Malawi

Prepared by:

Planning Unit

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development P.O. Box 30312

Lilongwe 3 Tel: +265 01 789 388

Fax: 01 788 083

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Cover Photo

1. Left: A famer showing a wetland along Kapita River and the embankment made by the community to increase water retention at Simulemba in Kasungu

2. Right: Integrated fish farming at Tilola in Karonga

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Table of Contents

Cover Photo ......................................................................................... i

List of Plates ........................................................................................ v

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ............................................................ vi

Acknowledgements ............................................................................. viii

Preamble ........................................................................................... ix

CHAPTER 1: INITIATIVES IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION ...................................... 1

1.1 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (FLOOD CONTROL INITIATIVES) ...................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Achievements .......................................................................... 1

1.1.2 Conditions for Success ................................................................ 2

1.1.3 Weaknesses/Challenges .............................................................. 2

1.1.4 How to Address the Weaknesses/Challenges ...................................... 2

1.1.5 Best Practices .......................................................................... 2

1.2 BUILDING CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY BASED EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS FOR FLOODS .......................................................................... 3

1.2.1 Achievements .......................................................................... 4



1.2.4 How to Address Weaknesses/Challenges ........................................... 5

1.2.5 Best practices .......................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 2: INITIATIVES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY ............................... 6

2.1 ORANGE-FLESHED SWEET POTATO INITIATIVE – CHIKHWAWA ..................... 6

2.1.1 Achievements .......................................................................... 6




2.1.5 Best Practices .......................................................................... 7

2.2 ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS – SALIMA .......................................................................................... 8

2.2.1 Achievements .......................................................................... 9




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2.2.5 Best Practices ........................................................................ 10

2.3 SIMLEMBA SUSTAINABLE CATCHMENTS AND WETLAND MANAGEMENT – KASUNGU 11

2.3.1 Achievements ........................................................................ 11

2.3.2 Conditions for Success .............................................................. 11

2.3.3 Weaknesses/Challenges ............................................................ 11

2.3.4 How to Address the Weakness/Challenges ...................................... 12

2.3.5 Best Practices ........................................................................ 12

2.4 AGROFORESTRY AND FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMME IN LUPEMBE EPA – KARONGA 13

2.4.1 Achievements ........................................................................ 14



2.4.4 How to Address the Weaknesses/Challenges .................................... 14

2.4.5 Best Practices ........................................................................ 15

2.5 PROMOTION OF POND AQUACULTURE FOR WATER HARVESTING AND INTEGRATED FISH FARMING – TILOLA, KARONGA ......................................... 16

2.5.1 Achievements ........................................................................ 16




2.5.5 Best Practices ........................................................................ 17

CHAPTER 3: INITIATIVES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 19

3.1 FORESTRY CO-MANAGEMENT AND BEEKEEPING: EXPLOITING SYNERGIES TO IMPROVE LIVELIHOOD RESILIENCE - MULANJE ............................................. 19

3.1.1 Achievements ........................................................................ 20


3.1.3 Challenges/ weaknesses ............................................................ 20


3.1.5 Best Practices ........................................................................ 21

3.2 IMPROVED FOREST MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS: CO-MANAGEMENT OF CHAWA FOREST RESERVE, KASUNGU .................................. 23

3.2.1 Achievements ........................................................................ 23



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3.2.5 Best Practices ........................................................................ 25

Concluding Remarks ............................................................................. 26

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List of Plates

Plate 1: A 1.5 km dyke in Tombondela Village (Photo credit: George Phiri) ............. 3

Plate 2: Gauge system in Salima (Photo credit: George Phiri) .............................. 5

Plate 3: Tubers of the OFSP Variety Zondeni (Photo credit: George Phiri) ................ 8

Plate 4: A farmer in his maize field in the area of TA Mmaganga, Salima (Photo credit:

Moses Zuze) ....................................................................................... 10

Plate 5: A famer showing a wetland along Kapita River and the embankment made by

the community to increase water retention (Simulemba), Kasungu (Photo credit:

George Phiri) ..................................................................................... 13

Plate 6: A farmer showing Agroforestry Field in Lupembe village, Karonga (Photo

credit: George Phiri) ............................................................................ 15

Plate 7: Farmers harvesting fish in a fish pond in Tilola-Karonga (Photo credit: Davison

Khumbanyiwa) .................................................................................... 18

Plate 8: A beehive in Mangombo Block, Mulanje (Photo credit: George Phiri) ......... 22

Plate 9: Members of the VDC touring Chawa Forest Reserve in TA Simlemba, Kasungu

(Photo credit: Stephen Sakhama) ............................................................. 25

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List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

AAP African Adaptation Programme

CADECOM Catholic Development Commission

CEPA Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy

CIP International Potato Centre

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale

DAES Department of Agricultural Extension Services

DAHLD Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development

DARS Department of Agricultural Research Services

DODMA Department of Disaster Management

EAM Evangelical Association of Malawi

ENRM Environment and Natural Resources Management

EPA Extension Planning Areas

FLA Functional Landscape Approach

FUM Farmers Union of Malawi

IAA Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture

IRLAD Irrigation, Rural Livelihoods and Agricultural Development

LDF Local Development Fund

MGDS Malawi Growth and Development Strategy

MLBP Malawi Lake Basin Programme

MMCT Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust

MMFR Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve

MRCS Malawi Red Cross Society

MUSCO Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives

NAPA National Adaptation Programme of Action

NASFAM National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi

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NASP National Aquaculture Strategic Plan

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

NTFPs Non Timber Forest Products

OFSP Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato

OPC Office of the President and Cabinet

SABA Sapitwa Beekeepers’ Association

SCC Swedish Cooperation Centre

VAD Vitamin A Deficiency

VCPC Village Civil Protection Committee

VDC Village Development Committee

VFA Village Forest Area

VNRMC Village Natural Resources Management Committee

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Acknowledgements

This Booklet was prepared by Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MoLGRD) with technical support from qualified personnel in the field of Climate Change within the Government ministries, Departments and Academia.

The following people are acknowledged for their contribution to the generation of the Booklet based on the Review of the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Study: George Jim (Ministry of Local Government & Rural development ), Bessie Msusa (Ministry of Economic Planning & Development), Nyuma Mughogho, (Department of Forestry), James Namalima (Ministry of Energy and Mining) , Suzgo Gondwe (Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Management), Doshanie Kadokera (Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security),Veronica Mhango (Department of Disaster Management), Welton Phalira (LEAD Southern and Eastern Africa) and Dr. Judith Kamoto (Bunda College).

Particular thanks are extended to Project Manager for National Climate Change Programme in Ministry of Economic Planning & Development, Jane Swira and W.V.Kayira in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MoLG&RD) for their guidance and support rendered. Thanks are also due the facilitator of the process to generate the best practice, George Phiri (Poverty–Environment Link). The producers of the Booklet also sincerely appreciate the tirelessly work done by Moses A.Zuze (Economist & Climate Change/Poverty & Environment Focal Point Person in the MoLGRD) for coordinating the production of the booklet.

Special appreciation should also go to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for providing financial support.

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Preamble

Background

Evidence of the growing negative impacts of climate change on both livelihoods sustainability and economic development processes have compelled the Government of Malawi to develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated response. This response covers adaptation, mitigation and immediate term disaster risk management and environmental needs of the country. Prior to this, in 2006, government developed the National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) which identifies key priority areas for activities to improve and sustain livelihoods in the face of the growing impacts. In order to promote synergy between climate change adaptation and mitigation, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the Africa Adaptation Programme (AAP) has compiled this booklet on proven best practices. These practices are techniques, methods, approaches and activities that have been effectively used at the community level in Malawi for purposes of enhancing adaptation to climate change and exploiting synergy with mitigation.

Purpose of the Booklet

The purpose of this booklet is to disseminate best practices in climate change adaptation and mitigation that have been generated from selected districts in Malawi in order to promote wider application through scaling-up, out-scaling and replication. In this way, benefits of livelihoods resilience will be afforded to more communities, increasingly becoming vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, and facilitate mitigation activities. This booklet focuses on the following key drivers of livelihood resilience:

Disaster Risk Management; Food and nutrition security; and

Environment and Natural Resources Management (ENRM)

Users of the Booklet

Prospective users of this booklet are policy makers and institutions at national, district and community levels and civil society organizations (CSOs) that support vulnerable communities to build resilient livelihoods. Nevertheless, with some modifications it could also be usefully applied to wider groups of users. It is assumed that the users will gain adequate knowledge for up scaling and out-scaling replica project in other district councils.

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CHAPTER 1: INITIATIVES IN

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

1. CHAPTER 1: INITIATIVES IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

This chapter analyses Disaster Risk Management (DRM) initiatives that have been successfully implemented in some parts of Salima and Chikhwawa districts respectively. From these initiatives the best practices identified could be scaled up or replicated to other areas of these districts or even to other districts in Malawi which has also extensively suffer or experiencing the impacts of climate variability and change

1.1 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (FLOOD CONTROL

INITIATIVES)

The initiative was implemented by Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) in 39 villages in the areas of Traditional Authorities (TA) Chapananga, Katunga, Ndakwera, Lundu, Maseya and Ngabu in Chikhwawa district that persistently experiences. This initiative aimed at mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) and strengthening flood mitigation and preparedness activities at national, district and local levels through technical ,material and financial support to the Department of Disaster Management (DoDMA) within the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), District Councils and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).Its main objective was to strengthen local community capacity to prepare for and respond to flood induced disasters. In order to improve flood control, a 1.5km dyke was excavated in order to re-direct the flow of water from Tombokamwa and Thakodewere rivers respectively into the Mwanza River which is the mainstream and away from homesteads.

1.1.1 Achievements

Improved food security and nutrition and improved incomes through the livestock pass-on system complemented the flood-related activities;

Areas targeted by the initiative became greener than before introduction of the initiative due to the establishment of village forest areas (VFAs) and the beneficiaries were no longer forced to cut indigenous trees for firewood and other uses; and

The Initiative benefited the vulnerable groups in society, including orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC), the elderly, those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, the youth and there was equal participation between men and women.

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1.1.2 Conditions for Success

Members of the community were fully involved in the various components of the initiative and implementation was done through the local village level structures, including the Village Development Committee (VDC) and the Village Civil Protection Committee (VCPC);

Community members were able to warn each other before a floods disaster struck through provision of early warning systems and this capacity was developed within the community and Capacity building of communities.

1.1.3 Weaknesses/Challenges

Construction of the dyke led to cutting down of trees along the intended course;

Trees were not planted on the dyke to strengthen the dykes embankments; and

The initiative was implemented in fewer GVHs than those perennially affected by disasters hence this prevented other GVH from participating in the initiative.

1.1.4 How to Address the Weaknesses/Challenges

Combination of structural (physical) and non structural (livelihood) measures helps in improving implementation of projects; and

For such projects, it will also be good to draw on Environmental and Social Management Framework developed for Local Development Fund projects to safeguard the environment Some of the non structural measures may include afforestation and income generating activities, among others.

1.1.5 Best Practices

Design of the initiative was community-driven, founded on a thorough participatory assessment of the vulnerability and adaptation needs of the communities;

Initiative was comprehensively designed and implemented to include addressing livelihood needs of the communities;

Exploration or harnessing synergy between climate change adaptation and mitigation was explicit rather than implicit;

Communities played a central role in implementation of the initiative with coordinated support from the district council;

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The thrust of awareness and disaster preparedness involved the youth (especially school-going children);

Tangible and measurable benefits were demonstrated (the communities were part of the monitoring and evaluation team) and

The communities were trained on the project activities which contributed to the sustainability of the initiative.

Plate 1: A 1.5 km dyke in Tombondela Village (Photo credit: George Phiri)

1.2 BUILDING CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY BASED EARLY WARNING

SYSTEMS FOR FLOODS

The initiative was led by the nongovernmental organization (NGO) Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) in collaboration with DoDMA. The aim/goal of this initiative was to reduce the negative impacts associated with recurrent floods by working with lowland and upland communities along Linthipe River. The specific objective of the initiative was to reinforce the resilience and the capacity of communities and the local authorities to respond to recurrent floods through: i) developing institutional

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linkages; ii) establishing community-based early warning systems, evacuation plans and hazard mitigation structures; iii) piloting innovative micro-community-based initiatives; and iv) disseminating community-based solutions on floods at both local and national level. This initiative followed similar initiative one led by the Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) and implemented until 2009 during which river gauges were installed on Linthipe River and one individual was trained to monitor and warn communities of any impending flood risk. In that initiative, the gauges were vandalized as communities were not fully aware of their use and never owned them up.

1.2.1 Achievements

Communities were able to relay warning messages promptly to communities in at risk to floods located downstream;

Due to effective communication between villages in the upstream and those downstream, local communities facing flood risk had ample time to evacuate to flood shelters without panic and this saved lives and property that would otherwise have been lost; and

The initiative was linked to a solar-driven irrigation scheme that is also equipped with a flood-proof grain village storage structure for production and storage of relief food for flood victims in the low-stream and flood-prone Chimwavi Village.


Active community participation: there was equal participation of both men and women, and the youth in the initiative at local level;

Capacity building of the local communities.


Failure by communities to provide basic resources such as rainproof gear, water level monitors and communication equipment; and

Absence of hydrometric equipment on Lilongwe River which empties into Linthipe River resulted in the system being incomplete.

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1.2.4 How to Address Weaknesses/Challenges

Local institutional and governance structures should ensure that beneficiaries effectively contribute either in cash towards the development initiatives in their areas. This would ensure sustainability when there is no external support.

1.2.5 Best practices

Implementation fully involved community-based structures such as Village Civil Protection Committees (VCPCs) and the entire community;

Critical support materials (i.e. accessories and location of evacuation shelters) and information were readily available and easily accessible by all vulnerable groups;

Community demonstrated ownership of the initiative; and

Awareness targeted entire communities facing flood-related disasters rather than only involving a few individuals with the anticipation that such information would trickle down to the rest of the community.

Plate 2: Gauge system in Salima (Photo credit: George Phiri)

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CHAPTER 2: INITIATIVES IN

FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

2. CHAPTER 2: INITIATIVES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

This chapter focuses on food and nutrition security initiatives and generates best practices that could be scaled up or replicated in other districts that suffer from the effects of climate change in Malawi.

2.1 ORANGE-FLESHED SWEET POTATO INITIATIVE – CHIKHWAWA

Although sweet potato has been grown by smallholder farmers in Malawi for over a century, its prominence in farming systems as a food and cash crop has only recently received attention. The reason is that this crop is drought tolerant, produces relatively well under diverse agronomic practices and marginal conditions and is relatively short seasoned (reaches maturity within 4-5 months). Sweet potato can thus offer prospects for diversification of smallholder farming systems to enhance resilience to climate change. In addition to offering a reasonable option for food security in Malawi, orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties offer an added advantage of addressing Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) believed to be widespread in the country, especially among vulnerable groups including pregnant and breast-feeding women and children under the age of five.

Catholic Development Commission (CADECOM) in partnership with Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), International Potato Centre (CIP) and Department of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES) supported communities in some areas of Chikwawa to adopt the OFSP variety Zondeni to address VAD (in order to ensure good sight and development of strong and healthy bodies with improved ability to fight diseases), improve household level incomes (through the sale of vines, tubers and some value-added confectionaries) and offer an option for climate change adaptation to the beneficiaries due to its short duration to maturity (3–4 months).

2.1.1 Achievements

The initiative led to the adoption of the OFSP variety Zondeni among smallholder farmers in Livunzu EPA;

Incomes of the farmers were improved through sales of sweet potato vines; and

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Those farmers who adopted the variety were food secure despite a drought that occurred in the areas.


Farmers were empowered to multiply the OFSP variety Zondeni which was provided to them;

The initiative was founded on training and building of strong partnerships among implementing institutions; and

Use of an aggressive and multi-pronged integrated strategy for dissemination that included strengthening of seed systems involving sweet potato, demand creation campaign through behaviour change communication (theatre, drama, poetry, songs and banners) and market product development rapidly created awareness on the potential of the new variety in addressing food and nutrition security and generating income.


The initiative promoted a variety, Zondeni, which is low yielding compared with Babache, a relatively longer seasoned and white-fleshed variety that was popular in the area; and

Those farmers who received the vines of the new variety were not necessarily those who registered to participate on the initiative due to communication breakdown.


Choice of new sweet potato varieties to be introduced in an area should be made using participatory processes; and

An effective organizational governance and communication strategy will improve targeting of intended beneficiaries.


Effective collaboration between community-based sweet potato vine suppliers, the lead institutions (CIP, DARS and DAES) and CADECOM enabled a clear understanding of implementation constraints at the household level;

The OFSP variety Zondeni was introduced with clear multi-purpose: climate change adaptation (due to being early maturing), food and nutrition security

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(addressing VAD) and income generation through sale of vines which were previously shared for free (resilience through income generation); and

Introduction of the new OFSP variety Zondeni was done in a package that included farmer capacity building in production, value addition and demand creation.

Plate 3: Tubers of the OFSP Variety Zondeni (Photo credit: George Phiri)

2.2 ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE

LIVELIHOODS – SALIMA

The initiative was implemented by the Swedish Cooperation Centre (SCC) through the Malawi Lake Basin Programme (MLBP) in partnership with National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM), Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (MUSCO) and Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM), in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MoAFS), and the Department of Forestry.

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Focus of the initiative was on empowering communities, increasing people’s adaptation capacity to the negative impacts of climate change, improving household food security, increasing family income, strengthening their bargaining capacity and enabling them to benefit from the exercise of their democratic rights.

2.2.1 Achievements

Community members easily accessed poles for construction and maintenance of various infrastructure from the village woodlots; and

Capacity of the Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) was built, especially in the areas of natural resources management and sustainable land use with tangible benefits from the Village Forest Areas (VFAs) and increased crop yields.


Training was acknowledged by the group to have provided them with “new skills” in managing their tree nursery and the VFAs;

Tangible benefits motivated the community to continue participating on the initiative; and

Good governance of the VNRMC.


Co-benefits afforded by the forests to climate change mitigation have not yet been determined;

While the capacity of the VNRMC was built, this was not extended to the Village Development Committee (VDC) which is the main community level institution for development; and

Despite reported increases in crop yields, households remained food insecure due to increase frequency of prolonged droughts and dry spells.


Benefits of afforestation in climate change adaptation and mitigation must be clearly determined in order to exploit synergy; and

Capacity building should focus on both the main community level development institutions such as the VDC and including subcommittees such as the VNRMC.

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Activities of the VNRMC positively influenced communities in neighbouring villages such as in the area of Group Village Headman Maganga who learned from them techniques in ENRM and planted their own trees along the banks of major rivers flowing through their village;

A clear illustration was made of an effectively governed and internally driven initiative within the community hence this demonstrates strong local ownership;

The initiative afforded several opportunities for diversifying activities to uplift livelihoods, community resilience and exploitation of synergy between climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation.

Plate 4: A farmer in his maize field in the area of TA Mmaganga, Salima (Photo credit:

Moses Zuze)

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2.3 SIMLEMBA SUSTAINABLE CATCHMENTS AND WETLAND MANAGEMENT –

KASUNGU

This initiative was implemented in the area of TA Simlemba, Kasungu district, by COOPI/MALEZA in collaboration with the Kasungu Environment District Office, and District Agricultural and Forestry Offices and a local NGO called Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA). Despite having had a wetland along Kapata River, the area frequently experienced erratic rains and droughts which compromised food security. This initiative aimed at contributing to lasting poverty reduction and improved resilience of the wetland-dependent communities to climate change.

2.3.1 Achievements

Improved food and nutrition security the community grew at least three cycles (of maize and vegetables) in a year and diversified into fruit and livestock production;

Improved water recharge in the wetland;

Improved socio-economic status of the community – through improved incomes especially from the sales of green maize and vegetables. This enabled the households to acquire assets such as modern houses, bicycles and household appliances; and

Increased irrigation farming and improved wetland use that increased the resilience of the farming communities to the impacts of drought.


The community had interest in sustainably managing the wetland having experienced tangible benefits in this initiative;

Good governance of the wetland at the community level;

Capacity of the community was built, especially in areas of sustainable land use within the wetland catchment; and

The VDC and Wetland Committee regularly met, on monthly basis, to share experiences and to plan together.


The wetland was frequently invaded by poachers who disregarded the principles of the functional landscape approach that was adopted; and

and set bushfires; and

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Lack of value addition and reliable markets for the farmers to sell their produce such as vegetables.

2.3.4 How to Address the Weakness/Challenges

There was no enforcement of by-laws within the community in order to improve governance;

Capacity building in value chain analysis; and

Farmers’ clubs and Associations and link them to prospective markets.


The participatory assessment that was done at the onset to identify the value and challenges facing sustainability of the wetland was a critical starting point;

Planning and implementation of wetland catchment activities was done by the wetland-dependent community itself coordinated by the local Wetland Committee and the VNRMC under the overall local leadership of Kapata VDC. This approach instilled community ownership of the initiative and integration into the local development planning process;

Adoption of the functional landscape approach ensured integration between natural resources and catchment management and the effective management of the wetland;

Capacity building of the VNRMC and of the entire community and effective use of the wetland and its catchment was critical to its sustainable management and to the uplifting of livelihoods; and

Local institutions of the wetland (VDC, VNRMC and the wetland committee) effectively coordinated the management of the wetland and its catchment resulting in increased benefits from ecosystem services.

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Plate 5: A famer showing a wetland along Kapita River and the embankment made by the

community to increase water retention (Simulemba), Kasungu (Photo credit: George Phiri)

2.4 AGROFORESTRY AND FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMME IN LUPEMBE EPA –

KARONGA

Lupembe area of Karonga district is classified as a traditionally food insecure area as crop production is constrained by several factors, including poor soil fertility and erratic rains. This situation has worsened with climate change as the area perennially experiences frequent droughts and prolonged dry spells. In order to address these challenges, the Department of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES) in collaboration with the Department of Land Resources and Conservation and the World Agroforestry Centre implemented the Agroforestry and Food Security Programme from 2007-2010. The initiative intended to scale up integrated agro forestry technologies, especially fertilizer and fruit trees in order to positively impact on livelihood of smallholder farmers.. Broadly, in agro forestry systems, fertilizer trees and shrubs are grown in association with crops or even pastures and livestock to improve soil fertility when their biomass is incorporated in the soil.

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2.4.1 Achievements

Agro forestry technologies using fertilizer tree species such as Gliricidia and Sesbania resulted in maize yield increases and enabled extended periods of soil moisture retention as a result of the improvement of soil structure;

As a result of extended soil moisture retention, especially in dambos, farmers were able to diversify the range of crops grown which included winter maize, vegetables, cowpeas, sweet potato and beans. Increased crop diversification at the household level enhanced the resilience of their livelihoods; and

Agro forestry technologies proved to be self-sustaining in the supply of nutrients to the crops as maize, tobacco and etc.


Farmers had a strong interest to replenish soil fertility in their fields which had been on the decline for some time; and

Government of Malawi demonstrated interest in servicing the farmers in the area through the placement of extension workers who were readily available and provided guidance on how best to implement the agro forestry technologies.


Low levels of understanding of the concepts of agro forestry by most farmers retarded scaling up of the technologies;

Lack of a framework for measuring other livelihood benefits from adoption of agro forestry technologies other than increased crop yields and food security;

Inadequate supply of seedlings of fertilizer trees; and

Pressure from livestock as some farmers who had not adopted the technologies left their livestock (cattle and goats) to roam around and browse on the agro forestry trees.


Improved extension services with particular focus on addressing constraints to adoption of agro forestry technologies and integration with livestock production; and

Exploitation and quantification of synergy between climate change adaptation and mitigation from the use of fertilizer and fruit trees in uplifting community livelihoods.

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Clear demonstration of an opportunity for a triple win for food security and climate change adaptation and mitigation through enhancement of soil organic matter and increased water holding capacity made crop yields stable and sustainable, and simultaneously promoted carbon capture; and

The Initiative achieved dual roles of sustainable promotion of soil fertility and soil moisture conservation that enabled crop diversification as a key strategy in household level climate change adaptation.

Plate 6: A farmer showing Agroforestry Field in Lupembe village, Karonga (Photo credit: George Phiri)

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2.5 PROMOTION OF POND AQUACULTURE FOR WATER HARVESTING AND

INTEGRATED FISH FARMING – TILOLA, KARONGA

The National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) identifies the fisheries sector as one of the key sectors adversely impacted by climate change through floods and droughts (Environmental Affairs Department, 2006). Development of fish ponds with the intention to re-stock dwindling fish stocks in key freshwater bodies is listed among the key output areas under the sector. Fish from capture fisheries play a significant role in the diets of many Malawians (important source of essential protein and micronutrients) and in livelihood (through a thriving fish-based commerce). These aspects are directly impacted on by declining catches. These aspects are directly impacted by declining fish catches. The decline in fish catches is mainly attributed to overfishing in response to increased demand from a growing national population and environmental degradation which has resulted in siltation of potential spawning grounds. The initiative to promote aquaculture for water harvesting and integrated fish farming implemented by Departments of Fisheries and Animal Health and Livestock Development (DAHLD) intended to mitigate impacts of water scarcity by harvesting and storing it in ponds and combining fish farming with fruit and vegetable production. Later, duck farming was introduced to demonstrate expanded integration of such enterprises.

2.5.1 Achievements

Farmers improved and diversified their income sources through sales of fish, fish fingerlings, fruits, sugarcane and vegetables. The improved income enabled some of them to invest in assets such as cattle which enhanced household resilience;

Improved food and nutrition security as the harvested water was then used for irrigation of crops such as rice, bananas, vegetables (pumpkins and tomatoes), sweet potatoes and Ipomoea aquatic or ‘Dowolowo’); and

Availability of fish throughout the year.


Water was abundant in the area and was not a constraint to the expansion of fish and irrigated farming;

Easy access to transport for fish and produce from irrigated farming (the area is located along the M1 road between Mzuzu and Karonga);

Soils in the area were fertile and suitable for crop production;

Readily available markets for vegetables at nearby beach villages; and

People had interest in integrated pond aquaculture coupled with good working relationships among the farmers within clubs that were formed.

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Lack of security for the fish ponds as they were located away from homesteads;

The fish from ponds faced huge competition on the market from Lake Malawi fish as he fish from ponds was generally priced higher than that from the Lake; and

High prices of fingerlings which impeded adoption of the initiative as most farmers could not afford the initial investment by themselves.


Promotion of community ownership of the initiative;

Strengthen awareness highlighting the broader benefits of the initiative to the community;

Facilitate initial acquisition of fingerings among interested farmers; and

Strengthen training in fish farming, including exchange visits for farmers.


The initiative started out of the farmers’ own interest, inspired by experiences unlike most of the past pond aquaculture initiatives in the country which followed top-down approaches; and

By integrating crop production, fruit trees and duck farming into pond aquaculture farmers diversified their farming systems, and enhanced the health of the pond ecosystem through increased carbon sequestration, which clearly demonstrates the synergy between climate change mitigation and adaptation in the initiative.

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Plate 7: Farmers harvesting fish in a fish pond in Tilola-Karonga (Photo credit: Davison

Khumbanyiwa)

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CHAPTER 3: INITIATIVES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

3. PTER 3: INITIATIVES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE EMENT

Initiatives in environment and natural resources management (ENRM) and best practices that were generated are presented in this chapter. The best practices generated could be scaled up or replicated in the districts where the initiatives were implemented or could even be replicated at large scale in districts in Malawi presently experiencing severe effects of climate change.

3.1 FORESTRY CO-MANAGEMENT AND BEEKEEPING: EXPLOITING SYNERGIES TO

IMPROVE LIVELIHOOD RESILIENCE - MULANJE

Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve (MMFR) plays significant roles in the livelihoods of communities who live around it due to its rich biodiversity and the wide range of ecosystem services it offers to them. For instance, it is an important headwater for many rivers, source of poles and timber, and a wide range of non timber forest products including firewood, thatch grass, medicinal plants, food and cultural and spiritual values. Sustainability of this reserve has been threatened by the very communities whose livelihoods are linked to it.

Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT) in collaboration with Department of Forestry and other partners supported a community-based initiative with two components: tree planting and beekeeping which address issues of improved sustainability of MMFR (climate change mitigation) and community livelihood (climate change adaptation).

Tree planting - which included forestry species, fruit trees and agro forestry species - was undertaken to enrich reforestation and afforestation and improve agricultural productivity and food security respectively. The beekeeping component was incorporated to improve incomes of communities around MMFR.

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3.1.1 Achievements

Increased income levels among beneficiaries through selling of honey;

Availability of therapeutic products with people e.g. honey and medicinal plants;

People harvested trees from the co-managed forest for development activities whenever need arose;

There was equal participation of beneficiaries as the elderly, youth, women and those infected or affected by HIV and AIDS were given equal opportunities to fully participate in all project activities;

Forest cover of the area greatly improved and led to reduction in soil erosion and stabilized river banks;

By-laws were enacted which clearly spelt out types of sanctions for offenders; and

Subdivision of the forest into blocks enabled effective management, i.e. management of the smaller units by adjacent communities improved efficiency of managing the MMFR.


The community was willing to work in partnership with MMCT and its partners in forest co-management and beekeeping as the two activities are inter-dependent;

Benefits of caring for trees for placement of beehives was appreciated by the community as a tangible benefit and this motivated them to plant more trees and expand activities to new areas; and

Existence of Sapitwa Beekeepers Association (SABA) increased the bargaining power for honey marketing, pricing and loan negotiations with commercial banks.

Weaknesses/challenges

Not all community members cooperated in the forest co-management;

Lack of feedback to the community on sanctions to offenders;

Exclusion of potential members from the SABA; and

Insufficient training to beekeepers, especially on how to attract and manage bees in the hives.

3.1.3 Challenges/ weaknesses

Not all villagers cooperated in the forest co-management;

Lack of feedback to the community on sanctions to offenders;

Exclusion of potential members from the SABA; and

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Insufficient training to beekeepers, especially on how to attract and manage

bees in the hives.


Participatory processes for identification of members and beneficiaries into associations and forest co management activities respectively, focussing on those with interest and not on the basis of village membership

Improve governance among local institutions; and

Strengthen capacity building at the association and community levels.


The design of the initiative allowed for the formation of clubs, zones and SABA (each one of these structures has a democratically elected committee). The SABA was linked to buyers and a commercial bank which enabled participating households to benefit from economies of scale;

Beneficiaries sourced their own materials and labour while MMCT and its partners provided technical support and this demonstrated local ownership;

Awareness created knowledge of the opportunities in beekeeping and thus generated further demand for participation among the communities; and

The integration of forestry conservation, food and nutrition security and income generation sufficiently motivated the community to participate in tree planting which simultaneously addressed climate change adaptation and mitigation.

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Plate 8: A beehive in Mangombo Block, Mulanje (Photo credit: George Phiri)

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3.2 IMPROVED FOREST MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS: CO-

MANAGEMENT OF CHAWA FOREST RESERVE, KASUNGU

Chawa proposed Forest Reserve in the north-east of Kasungu District in the area of TA Simlemba is one of the 16 impact areas in 12 districts of the country under the Improved Forest Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (IFMSLP) supported under the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) of European Commission (EC). The aim of the programme is to address poverty and enhance rural livelihoods through promotion of community involvement in forest management (Government of Malawi-EU, 2007). The Forest was established in 1976 and covers an area of 538ha with typical Miombo woodlands dominated by Brachystegia and Julbernadia tree species interspersed with montane grassland with rich biodiversity. The main land-use in the area is farming and the main crops grown are tobacco, maize, vegetables, fruits and livestock. People of the area considerably depend on Chawa forest to meet their daily needs of firewood, construction poles and making of artifacts such as baskets and mats.

The community around the forest reserve was engaged in co-management of three forest blocks, namely: Mthira, Kasambankhole and Muwamba. Focus here was specifically on the Muwamba Block which is in the area of Group Village Headman Manjondo. The lead institution on the initiative was Department of Forestry through Kasungu District Forestry Office and the main collaborator were the European Union (EU). In this initiative, IFMSLP provided support in terms of training in beekeeping and other income generating activities (IGAs) and provision of inputs and other capacity building activities. The communities were involved in protection of forest from fires including maintenance of fire breaks and prevention of illegal felling and encroachment.

3.2.1 Achievements

The community took full responsibility to manage the forest reserve, including conducting joint village awareness meetings between the VNRMC and Forestry Assistants (FAs);

People systematically harvested various forest products such as mushrooms; and wild fruits such as “Matowo” Azanza garkeana, “Jinkha” Friesodielsia obovata, “Matongo a Kalulu” Canthium crassum, “Nkhuyu” Ficus spp., “Nthudza” Flacourtia indica, “Maye” Strychnos innocua, and “Mzilu” Vangueria spp.; and

The community accessed thatch grass and poles for construction and home maintenance, and dead wood for firewood.

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An effective partnership between Kasungu District Council, Department of Forestry, traditional leaders and the forestry-dependent community resulted into the restoration of Chawa Forest Reserve;

Capacity of the community in forestry management, including nursery management was built;

Removal of encroachers through negotiations at the onset;

Local communities, through forest block committees, were at the centre of implementing the initiative with technical support from the Department of Forestry and Kasungu District Council; and

An effective awareness campaign changed the mindset of the community regarding the importance of improved forestry management and this instilled a strong community ownership of the process.


Inadequate training in beekeeping, especially on technologies for processing honey;

Lack of reliable markets for non timber forest products (NTFPs) including firewood, honey and various woven items such as baskets;

Inadequate forest tools and equipment such as gumboots, watering cans and hoes;

The three forest blocks had different objectives that negatively impacted on Muwamba block management. For instance, Mthira Block permitted cattle grazing (cattle owners paid K30.00 per head to graze) with the perception that they provided manure and through that some tree species seed dispersal whereas Muwamba Block did not permit grazing due to the perception that grazing damaged trees

Tobacco estates in Kasungu District and middlemen in the charcoal trade viewed Chawa Forest Reserve as a key source of firewood and charcoal; and

Delays in signing the forest co-management agreement made the community to be uncertain of the future of the much anticipated co-management arrangement.


Capacity building should be comprehensively addressed and include management and operational requirements, value chains and market linkage; and

Management plans should be harmonized and implementation should adopt holistic approaches; and

Expedite approval processes for co-management agreements.

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Effective negotiation and conflict resolution led by the local leadership enabled peaceful eviction of encroachers;

The forest-dependent community around Chawa Forest Reserve were at the forefront in carrying out activities to improve management of the forest; and

An effective awareness campaign in the area changed the mindset of the community regarding improved forest management and instilled a strong sense of ownership.

Plate 9: Members of the VDC touring Chawa Forest Reserve in TA Simlemba, Kasungu

(Photo credit: Stephen Sakhama)

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Concluding Remarks

4. CHAPTER 4: CONCLUDING REMARKS

In this booklet, several community-level best practices in climate change adaptation and mitigation are presented focusing on key drivers of livelihoods and economic development: DRM, food and nutrition security and ENRM. These best practices are drawn from response initiatives that have been implemented by some sector departments and partner organizations over the recent past years in the districts of Chikhwawa, Mulanje, Salima, Kasungu and Karonga. Motivation for compiling the best practices drew from growing negative impacts of climate change on livelihood resilience and the fact that this is increasingly becoming a critical factor in economic planning as government is increasingly compelled to respond to alleviate growing related disasters.

The best practices presented here are proven practices, techniques and approaches which have demonstrably enhanced the capacity of communities within which they were implemented to adapt to climate change and enabled a local synergistic contribution to the global effort of climate change mitigation. For each initiative the following were highlighted: key achievements, critical conditions that enabled success, main weakness/challenges that were experienced and suggested solutions, and a summary of the main best practices. It is strongly recommended that policy makers, national, district and community level institutions and support and partner organizations further disseminate and promote these best practices for purposes of scaling up, out-scaling and replication in order to bring the benefits of enhancing climate resilience to wider communities and households.

Furthermore, the booklet is intended to complement present and future strategies at national, district and community levels to effectively address climate change adaptation and mitigation options , and as much as possible tangibly exploit the arising co-benefits for building household level resilience.

The Review Team

Standing from left to Right: George Phiri, James Namalima, Veronica Mhango, George Jim, Nyuma Mughogho, Suzgo Gondwe, Doshani Kadokera,

Squatting from Left to Right: Moses Aaron Zuze, Welton Phalira, Bessie Msusa

Prepared with Financial Support from JICA and UNDP

malawi_cca and mitigation best practices_oct 2012

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