05/06/2026
Climate Smart brings hope to the vulnerable in Mwanza
In Mwanza District, a new story of resilience and transformation is unfolding, thanks to the Climate Smart – Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) popularly known as “M’bwezera Chilengedwe” which is being implemented in district councils.
The programme, combines environmental conservation with livelihood support is restoring landscapes while at the same time putting money in the hands of poor and vulnerable households. Participants are given K48,000 as wages after working for 30 days as compared to the initial wages which were at K28,000 for 24 days,
Group Village Head (GVH) Chimulango in Senior Chief Nthache is among the traditional leaders witnessing these changes first-hand. He says the programme has brought a new lease of life to his community.
“This programme has helped us in so many ways. We are planting trees, conserving the land and securing food. At the same time, people are able to support their families with the money they receive for their work. Truly livelihoods have been transformed,” said GVH Chimulango.
Unlike in the past when wages from public works ended with daily needs, participants under CS-EPWP in Chimulango’s area have taken a different path. They mobilized their earnings to form a Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group with 14 members by creating a pool of resources to multiply their money.
One member, Elinala Ntonthola, shared how the VSL has changed her life.
“Through a loan from our group, I bought two pigs. My goal is to multiply them so I can earn more income. I am also planning to buy iron sheets for my new house as the programme continues,” she explained with a smile.
Her story is just one among many testifying to the ripple effect the programme has created.
As a way of ensuring year round food security and expanding financial base among the member households, the VSL group has gone further into crop production on part of Katongole Irrigation Scheme located in the area. The initiative which has 20 registered and active members allows them to grow a variety of crops both for food and to sell the surplus.
Chairperson for the VSL group Matilida Mike said the scheme has become a game changer in ensuring food security and boosting household incomes.
“We are no longer relying only on rain-fed farming. Through the irrigation scheme, we can harvest crops all year round while the surplus is sold to earn money. This is all because of the opportunities created by the CS-EPWP,” she said.
What started as a programme to cushion vulnerable households through public works has become a platform for sustainable livelihoods, environmental restoration and community empowerment.
For the people of Mwanza, the CS-EPWP is not just a public works initiative but it is a seed of hope growing into a better future.
Mwanza District Desk Project Officer Idruce Kanyenda commended the programme saying that communities are also expected to benefit from the community assets of the forests in their respective areas that have been created under the programme.
“They will be able to get firewood and practice bee keeping in the forests which were destroyed through charcoal burning because thousands of trees have already been regenerated and planted in community forests to promote afforestation and land conservation,” said Kanyenda.
He then hailed strong community ownership of the programme in fighting climate change and poverty which he expressed optimism of sustainability even when the government initiative comes to an end,
Mwanza has 16 catchments and 11,895 participants are benefiting from the programme which is in the first phase of 2025/26 implementation.
The CS-EPWP is implemented in the district councils with funding from the World Bank in partnership with the Multi – Donor Trust Fund through the National Local Government Finance Committee. By Brian Wasili
Malawi Government World Bank Group
