PROTECTING MULANJE MOUNTAIN
Led by the community leader, Ivory Kaliati, the Vulnerables Support Trust (VST), based in Traditional Authority (TA) Mabuka, Mulanje is actively addressing critical environmental and food security challenges in the region. Ivory has shared with us details about his self organised initiative in response to the dramatic deforestation challenges and the severe food crisis caused by heavy rainfall/droughts, lost crops and subsequent high maize prices in Malawi. In response to these challenges, Ivory has taken steps to promote irrigation farming and encourage multiple and diverse cropping among local residents and neighbouring communities. Furthermore, active efforts have been made to produce farmyard manure, aiming to restore soil fertility that was severely affected by flash floods during cyclone Freddy in 2023. These actions are essential in their mission to increase agricultural productivity, mitigate food insecurity, and address poverty within their community.
Project Overview
The VST is leading efforts to plant a diverse array of trees including bamboo, tangatanga, acacias, and Kweranyani (monkey climb). These efforts not only combat deforestation but also aim to improve soil fertility and provide essential resources for local communities. By strategically planting in areas around Likhubula, VST seeks to fight deforestation and to enhance food security through sustainable agricultural practices.
Community Engagement
The VST has mobilised 25 local volunteers, including men and women from neighbouring villages (Nakhonyo, Chiranga, Kalikombe, Mangombo, Mulunguzi, Miyano, Kazembe, Muhizo, Mulava). They have been actively involved in transporting and planting around 300 diverse range of indigenous trees, known for their ability to improve soil fertility and restore valuable resources at Mulanje Mountain. The volunteers monitor the normal growth of the trees up to 5 times a month.
Addressing the Food Crisis
In response to the ongoing food crisis in Malawi, such initiatives play a crucial role. By revitalizing ecosystems and promoting sustainable food production, the VST aims to mitigate the impact of food insecurity and create long-term solutions for vulnerable communities.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, the initiative plans to expand its impact by engaging more villages and volunteers and increasing tree planting efforts in additional areas that are in need of environmental restoration. The initiative aims to include fruit-bearing trees like mangoes and oranges, which are more expensive. Mobilising resources for building up irrigation systems could also have a great impact for these communities.
How You Can Support
Raising awareness about VST’s initiatives is essential for garnering support and resources. Whether through spreading the word, financial contributions, or volunteering, your involvement can significantly contribute to the success of VST’s efforts and make a positive impact on both communities and the environment. Financial Support is needed for:
– Buying further young fruit and indigenous trees.
– Buying materials for building up an irrigation system.
We highlight these efforts because they are 100% community planned and driven, which is the basis of authentic commitment with the environment and future generations.
Join VST
Together, let’s support Vulnerables Support Trust in their mission to build a more sustainable future for Likhubula and beyond. For more information on how you can get involved or support VST’s initiatives, please contact us at info@nunanmar.com and we will directly connect you to Ivory Kaliati.
Let’s work together to support and cultivate a resilient and thriving community 😉🌳🌍🍃💛
this is a good work I wish you the best