The villagers primarily rely on farming for their livelihoods. However, erratic rainfall has been affecting agricultural productivity. The area experiences either excessive rainfall leading to floods that destroy crops or droughts that hinder farming activities.

Every day, men and women work diligently to nurture the 3,000 young trees planted on the mountain under the guidance of the local chief and forestry extension officer. They also discuss the care of existing trees.

This reforestation project is one of three led by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility in the district, with funding from Denmark. It aims to enhance environmental conservation and promote sustainable agriculture. Another project focuses on restoring an irrigation scheme damaged by Cyclone Freddy and providing domestic water.

Wyson Sekheya, the forestry extension officer, emphasized the importance of the reforestation effort in conserving nature and potentially increasing rainfall. He said the community’s involvement, supported by the organization and government, has been crucial in the tree planting initiative.

“Trees are vital for soil conservation and rainfall. The area has suffered from erosion, and planting trees will make a significant impact,” said Sekheya.

The community has been planting M’bawa (African Mahogany) and Acacia trees, and establishing firebreaks for their protection.

Ina Makocha from the Forestry and Natural Resources Department noted that this afforestation project addresses climate hazards in the district. She mentioned that besides Lumba, five other sites are undergoing afforestation.

“Mulanje faces climate change impacts such as cyclones and floods. This afforestation project targets riverbanks prone to flooding, and long-term benefits include beekeeping among others,” Makocha explained.

Village Headman Nsona blamed tree cutting and bushfires for damaging the environment, citing droughts and siltation as consequences. He expressed hope for more tree planting when the rains come and emphasized the community’s commitment to conservation.

“We aim to plant more trees in this coming rainy season. We have agreed that no one should cut down the trees, and many have volunteered for this project,” he said.

Committee member Clement Tamibia highlighted the project’s positive impact on the mountain, noting that cultivation on the slopes has ceased.

“This tree planting effort will extend to riverbanks up to Ruo. We have established bylaws against forest destruction and bushfires, and we will not allow careless cutting down of trees. Our goal is to cover the entire Lumba hill and surrounding rivers,” Tamibia added.

Another UNCDF-supported project in the district is the Tipindule Irrigation Scheme, which was destroyed by Cyclone Freddy. Located at the foot of Mulanje Mountain, the scheme supports farming activities and benefits 150 beneficiaries.

Cyclone Freddy, which struck in March 2023, devastated infrastructure and crop fields in Mulanje. The 250-meter irrigation canal, which supports agriculture and benefits community members, particularly women, was not spared. The rehabilitation of the scheme has been crucial for local farmers.

Frazer Mwafulira, chairman of the scheme, expressed gratitude for the assistance, adding that the project has alleviated their poverty and supported their children’s education.

“We were struggling to support our children’s school needs. The damage left us stranded, but now we are hopeful. Things will be better now with this support,” Mwafulira said.

Apart from Mulanje, the project is also being implemented in Mwanza and Nkhotakota. It focuses on infrastructural development, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.