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  (NAMITEMBO VLAP)-ZOMBA DISTRICT Introduction The project was created to improve and increase the adoption of sustainable landscape management practices in priority watershed services in the targeted watersheds. However, degradation in most critical watersheds has reached alarming levels, with significant impacts on water security and Agricultural productivity. Degradation of these renewable natural resources base (land, water, forests) has greatly affected the country and high exposure and vulnerability to climate change have adversely affected water and agriculture productivity and livelihoods. On June 18, 2024, our team visited the MWASIP project in Namitembo Village (4C7), which is under Chingale Catchment area and it is also composed of four catchments. The area also comprises of 25 VLAP. In Namitembo, it covers 125ha. The project aims to promote sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices among local farmers. The work started last year and th...

Introduction Nyika National Park is situated 129 km northwards from Mzuzu and 68 km from Rumphi. Drive west from Rumphi for approximately 60 km and take a right turn towards the gate. The name, Nyika, means "where water comes from" as the plateau's elevation makes it wetter than surrounding areas. Figure 1: picture of Nyika Plateau In 1965, The Nyika National Park became the first certified park in Malawi. It encompasses the majority of the Nyika plateau area in the Northern Religion. It is the largest ( covering an area of over 3,000 sq. km ) and Highest ( heights averaging 1,800m ) of Malawi's parks bordering Zambia on the western side. The area is virtually uninhabited by man, with only a few settlements of Aphoka people. The Nyika is covered in moor-like, treesless grasslands, endless rolling hills, occasionally interrupted by pockets of evergreen forest in the ravines and valleys. There are numerous waterfalls on the rivers flowing off the plateau. Figure 2: Ma...

Introduction   Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is approximately 60 km south-west of Lilongwe in Central Malawi , and incorporates the steep range of hills which bear the same name. Formarly known as the Central Angoni Highlands Game Reserve, the status was  changed in the late 1922 and became a forest reserve to protect Lilongwe's water resource. The forest is the great place to explore,  walking, trekking or mountain biking. Brachystegias ( miombo) are far the most dominant kinds of trees with 3 dominant species sometimes entirely covering large areas. Other species found including Msuku ( Uapaca ) and Clumps of Nyowe (Eugenia Cordata). FIGURE 1 : Part of Dzalanyama main entry At the highest point and fringing the  higher streams there are patches of montane evergreen woodland. In 1977 pine and Eucalyptus trees were introduced. The reserve is currently 989.35 sq.  km with an altitude of 1100 m to 1650 m above sea level. The forest is an important habitat for miombo b...

Introduction Lake Chilwa is the second largest lake in Malawi after Lake Malawi. It is in  Zomba District, near the boarder with Mozambique. The lake is surrounded by the districts of Phalombe, Mulanje, Zomba, and Machinga. Its a shallow lake found in east of Liwonde Nation Park and it is an important source of water for the people surrounding communities and its a home of wildlife, including hippos, fish, and migratory birds. The towns of Chilwa Boma and Mlanje Boma are located on the southern shore of the the lake.  Approximately 60 km long and 40 km wide, the lake is surrounded by extensive wetlands. There is  an island in the middle of the lake called Chisi Island .  FIGURE 1 : Picture showing part of lake chilwa About Location of Lake Chilwa from the Map of  Malawi The lake has no outlet and the level of water is greatly affected by by seasonal rains and summer evaporation. In 1968, the lake disappeared during exceptionally dry weather. When David Livingsto...

 Introduction The history of Liwonde Nation Park goes all the way back  to the late 1800s, when  it was used as royal hunting ground for the local  Nyasaland rulers. Then, in 1938, it was declared a protected area. Liwonde National Park is home to over 500 species of birds, as well as diverse range of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the notable species include African elephants, Cape buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, impalas,  baboons, lions, leopards, hyenas, zebras, and more. In addition, the park is home to over 200 species of trees, as well as various medicinal plants.  It's truly a diverse and fascinating ecosystem. FIGURE 1 : Elephant inside Liwonde National Park Liwonde National Park covers an area of about 360  square kilometers(or 140 square miles). This includes, the main Park, as well as the Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve, which is located within the Park's boarders. Together these areas form a haven for wildlife in southern Malawi. And bec...

 HISTORY OF ZOMBA PLATEAU The plateau is home to the Zomba Forest Reserve, which covers an area of about 350 square kilometers. The reserve is known for its biodiversity with over 400 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies.  Its also home to some of the last remaining stands of indigenous Miombo woodlot in Malawi. There are 60 different species of mammals that live in the reserve, including bushbuck, duiker, vervet monkeys, baboons and warthogs. There are also several  different species of snakes, lizrd, frogs, and toad and there are even some rare and endangered species like the Pangolin and the Leorpad. Some people even say that Zomba plateau is the ' 'Everest of Malawi '' because of its rugged and mountainous terrain. Below is a figure showing the part of Zomba Plateau: FIGURE 1 : Photo of Zomba plateau( November,2023) Its also a popular destination for hikers and campers with several well-marked trails and designated campsites. The area is relatively c...