Restoring forest landscapes in Zomba

Not long ago, Pirimiti Hill Forest Reserve, located in the area of Traditional Authority Mwambo in Zomba, was an open-access zone exploited for activities such as charcoal burning and firewood extraction.

The massive deforestation that followed destroyed biodiversity and negatively affected communities living downstream. For years, flash floods from the bare hill caused significant damage to crops and homes.

Today, however, the situation has changed. Deforestation is now a problem of the past, and trees have naturally regenerated, gradually turning the forest reserve into a thriving ecosystem.

This transformation is credited to the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), financed through the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

Launched in December last year, the programme targets 14,618 households in Zomba, focusing on interventions such as afforestation and the promotion of natural regeneration.

Thomas Malindima, chairperson of the Pirimiti Makawa Catchment Management Committee (CMC), says the programme has brought remarkable results.

“We are focusing on the natural regeneration of trees in Pirimiti Hill and other forests. The trees have grown so well, and we are hopeful that the hill will soon reclaim its full forest cover,” said Malindima.

To sustain the progress, communities have introduced by-laws imposing fines of up to K30,000 on anyone caught cutting down trees. Grazing animals in the forest is also penalized—K20,000 per cow and K10,000 per goat.

Beyond forest protection, locals are also venturing into beekeeping, using hives placed in the forest to harvest and sell honey.

“Last month we harvested 80 kilograms of honey which we sold for a good income,” Malindima added.

Stone bunds form a barrier that slows down water runoff, allowing rainwater to seep into the soil. © H. Kholowa.

Through CS-EPWP, community members have also been trained in soil and water conservation and rainwater harvesting techniques to restore groundwater and improve crop yields. They have constructed stone bunds, deep trenches, swales, and check dams across Pirimiti Hill and nearby fields.

“These trenches and dams helped me a lot during Cyclone Freddy. Without them, my farmland would have been washed away by floods,” said Malindima.

For beneficiaries like Dorothy Kanyumba of Group Village Head Kimu, the programme has been life-changing.

“I earn K1,200 per day for 12 days each month. The money helps me buy household necessities and pay school fees for my children,” she explained.

Weston Selemani, Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Mpokwa Extension Planning Area (EPA), said the restoration of Pirimiti Hill has significantly reduced flash floods and improved agricultural productivity.

“Expectations are high among farmers that they will benefit even more in the second cycle of the programme,” Selemani said.

Deep trenches store rainwater until it infiltrates the surrounding soil. Photo credit: H. Kholowa.

Chimwemwe Chimbaza, Zomba District Council’s Land Resource Conservation Officer and CS-EPWP Desk Officer, confirmed that in the programme’s first cycle, communities in 16 catchment areas undertook activities such as riverbank protection, vetiver planting, and tree planting.

“We expect to begin the second cycle soon, with an increased number of beneficiaries,” Chimbaza said.

“The programme has created visible and durable assets, household incomes, and improved food security. These assets will strengthen community resilience against climate change shocks.”

As the sun sets over Pirimiti Hill, its once-barren slopes now shimmer with the green of young trees swaying gently in the breeze.

What was once a symbol of destruction has become a beacon of renewal — a living testament to what can happen when communities unite with purpose and determination. For the people of Zomba, the forest is no longer just a patch of trees; it is their shield against floods, their source of food and income, and their legacy for generations to come.