Project Update: Improved Forest Resource Management

We are delighted to announce that ITF has received a very encouraging mid term report from the Improved Forest Resource Management project located in Usisya, Malawi.

Community seed planting day at the Temwa tree nursery in Usisya, Malawi (Sept 2011)

The project was initiated in September 2011 and is already well on the way to meeting the established targets. The project aims to control deforestation in the local area and establish a strong foundation to provide education to local people in the protection and management of forests.

The project produces trees locally to re-stock denuded landscapes in Usisya district, Malawi. Community residents are trained in forest management skills, including inventory and forest assessment and sustainable silvicultural practices.

The project has established 5 primary nurseries at which trees are grown initially before they are transported to one of seven community nurseries already set up. These community nurseries have already distributed over 8300 trees to local groups and individuals.

Filling polypots and making final preparations at the Chikwina community tree nursery in Nkhata Bay North District, Malawi (Oct 2011)

Training comprises another core component of this project and so far two Village Forest management Committees were formed in Murwa (Mphande Hill Committee) and Kasasire. The remaining Village Forest Management Committees in other parts of the project catchment area will be formed in the next quarter. Educational work has also taken place in four schools within the district.

The immediate future of the project will see five further village development committees and five schools actively taking up tree planting activities. The scheme will also be planting out a further 6,000 trees.

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