NB communities to access loans from reforestation project

Communities in Nkhata Bay North Constituency now have more access to loans as they would be able to tap from a K380 million funding that local non-governmental organisation (NGO) Temwa has secured from Big Lottery Fund (BLF).

Project director Arthur Kambombe disclosed during its launch at Usisya on Sunday that the NGO will use part of the funding to boost income for disadvantaged households through establishment of forest-friendly business and micro-enterprises.

“Our focus is to minimise the number of people utilising the forest to earn money. We will be providing loans to communities to stop relying on the forest to generate money by providing them with loans to start businesses that do not endanger the natural resources,” he said.

Kambombe said 650 women and 137 men from 110 villages will be trained in new business and business management skills and be supported to access market linkages.

“We have targeted 830 women and 680 men to be trained and supported in tree planting and forest conservation. A total of 66 lead famers will be established. They will be supported with seeds, tools, tubes and skills in tree planting and raising,” he said.

Senior Chief Mbwana urged his subjects to play their rightful in taking part in the implementation of the project. He asked project officials to use the funds for intended purpose. n