26/08/2026
Namadzi Catchment Posts 98% Participation as Climate Works nears endline in Thyolo
Namadzi Micro Catchment in TA Ngolongoliwa has closed the final phase of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme with record community turnout and clear gains in land restoration and household incomes.
Covering about 7,600 hectares across nine hotspots in north-eastern Thyolo — Chipanda, Mikombe, Namadzi, Namulenga, Nansonyo, Natchefu, Khwanyani, Pindani and Sambainfa — Namadzi was one of 18 catchments under CSEPWP in the district.
Between 2023 and the 2026/2027 close-out, communities carried out soil and water conservation and forestry works to restore degraded land and improve water retention.
Key results include: 9,600m of marker ridges, 12,678m of swales, 3,567m of gully reclamation, and 8,498m of stone bunds. Forest regeneration reached 3.8ha, exceeding the 3ha target. Programme managers say crop performance has already improved due to better soil fertility and water retention.
Board Chairperson Commissioner Richard Chapweteka said community ownership drove results.
"We have seen households move from just earning wages to owning the work. When people dig swales and marker ridges on their own land, they are protecting the next harvest," Chapweteka said.
Participation also jumped. Cycle 1 had 893 active participants out of 1,000 enrolled, or 89%. In the current phase, 1,108 of 1,128 enrolled took part — a 98.2% rate.
Thyolo District Commissioner Noel Dakamau credited electronic payments for building trust and reducing delays. He noted that training of 8 first aiders, procurement of first aid kits, and daily safety talks helped the programme record no serious incidents. A Grievance Redress Management Committee resolved 36 of 37 cases reported.
The livelihoods component ran alongside public works. Namadzi now has 19 Savings and Loan Groups in 12 clusters with 596 members, 69% women. From 2023 to 2026 the groups saved about MK149 million. Members were trained in financial literacy, business management, nutrition and climate-smart agriculture, including Mbeya fertilizer making.
In Tchaile Cluster, groups Tadala and Mtendere mobilized MK13 million in savings. This cycle they saved MK5.2 million, with average savings per member at MK351,000. Under the Graduation Pilot, 20 members received about MK520,000 each in seed capital for livestock and irrigation businesses.
TA January said women’s role in managing assets is shifting attitudes.
"Climate-smart agriculture is no longer a slogan here, people are making Mbeya fertilizer and seeing results," he said.
Challenges noted include blocked SIM cards, foreperson dropouts, and savings group conflicts. Officials recommended SIM recharging sensitization by the Council, with consideration for lowering foreperson qualifications to JCE with experience, and conflict resolution training.
With restored land and stronger savings, Namadzi shows how climate works and livelihood support can build community resilience.
Malawi Government World Bank Group
