Dapp Calls on Dowa Communities to Step Up Tree Planting Efforts

Development Aid from People to People (Dapp) has urged residents of Dowa to increase tree-planting activities to restore forestry cover and combat the impacts of climate change.

During a compost manure training session held in Mvera, Dapp Agriculture Officer Prestone Yohane stated that his organization will intensify tree-planting efforts throughout the rainy season as a strategy to fight deforestation in the district.

He noted that deforestation has led to soil erosion and land degradation, negatively affecting crop production and underscoring the need for intervention.

“Many people are impacted by natural disasters due to a lack of trees to protect their homes and crops from heavy rains and strong winds. This year’s tree-planting exercise is vital for replenishing the forestry cover we’ve lost,” Yohane explained.

Dowa District Forestry Officer Bakaya Mtsisi also called upon well-wishers to support the district by providing additional seedlings. He emphasized that this year’s focus will be on trees that grow naturally and highlighted collaborations with traditional leaders to enforce by-laws protecting natural vegetation from livestock and fires.

Civil Society Network on Climate Change National Coordinator Julius Ng’oma underscored the urgency of addressing climate change through reforestation, advocating for sustainable practices to mitigate its effects. Group Village Kalazi, under Traditional Authority Chiwele, pledged to mobilize his community for the upcoming planting season.

Over 200 tree seedlings were distributed to various communities during the training session.