By Burnett Munthali
Malawi is embarking on an ambitious journey to restore 350,000 hectares of degraded land over the next five years through the Restore Africa (Resaf) Project, spearheaded by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in collaboration with its partners.
Funded by the Global EverGreening Alliance (GEA), CRS/Malawi has allocated USD 18 million to implement the Restore Africa initiative across seven districts. This initiative aims to combat environmental degradation and enhance community resilience to climate shocks.
Speaking at a consultative meeting in Mponela, CRS Country Representative Sekai Mudonhi highlighted the project’s objectives, emphasizing its impact on empowering 380,000 farmers in land restoration and re-afforestation efforts. Mudonhi outlined Resaf’s comprehensive strategy, structured around five key outcomes designed to improve community resilience, enhance food security, and restore landscapes.
Jonathan Thomas, CRS Chief of Party for Malawi, elaborated on the project’s multifaceted approach, including a component focused on carbon credits. This aspect requires farmer groups to engage with the Global EverGreening Alliance to establish agreements aimed at enhancing carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through vegetation restoration.
The Resaf project encompasses a range of activities aimed at increasing vegetative cover and enhancing ecosystem health, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. By restoring degraded lands, Malawi aims not only to safeguard its natural resources but also to foster sustainable livelihoods for its communities.
The initiative underscores Malawi’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote resilient agricultural practices. As the project unfolds, stakeholders anticipate significant strides towards achieving enhanced environmental sustainability and improved socio-economic outcomes for Malawian communities.
The collaborative efforts under the Restore Africa project signify a proactive step towards building a greener and more resilient future for Malawi, demonstrating the transformative potential of strategic partnerships and sustainable development initiatives in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
In the years ahead, the impact of Resaf is expected to resonate across Malawi’s landscapes, fostering a renewed sense of environmental stewardship and community resilience in the face of climate variability and change.
