Temwa - Sustainable Community Development, Malawi - International Tree Foundation to branch out in Usisya

International Tree Foundation to branch out in Usisya

Thursday, 22 February 2007 00:00

Temwa is delighted to have been invited to collaborate with the International Tree Foundation (ITF).

ITF is responsible for the planting and maintenance of trees for and by local people in poor environments and would like to set up a community forest project in Usisya.

Richard Ince from ITF contacted Temwa last autumn and has since been to meet staff in both the UK and Malawi. ITF has existed for 80 years, acting in the most deprived areas of the globe, educating people on the importance of trees and involving them in projects to ensure new and continued beneficial growth of trees. Those members of the community willing to become involved are trained to carry out activities such as planting trees in nurseries; outplanting and protecting young trees; growing fodder crops for animals; restoring woodland under threat; and they are also shown how to grow trees for medicine or building purposes (timber), beautification and amenity uses. Besides this efforts are made to educate children in schools on the beneficial role of trees and their importance for healthy living, implement and maintain outreach programs and teach and ensure the preservation of good land stewardship.

The ultimate aim of ITF is to sustain - aside from trees - individuals, families and communities, and, in the words of Richard himself ‘keep people healthy and happy’.

The project that Richard is planning for Usisya will start small-scale and grow from there, and will be managed and implemented by members of the local communities in partnership with Temwa. The community members involved will be asked what trees are needed and for what reasons. Luke and Jumbo (Temwa’s Project Manager and Assistant Manager) are currently speaking with people in Usisya to find out who is interested in undertaking responsibility for these projects. Richard will be visiting Usisya in April 2007 to develop a work plan with everyone involved.

To read more about ITF please visit their website: www.internationaltreefoundation.org

Visible deforestation in the mountains of Usisya