MALAWI JOBSHADOWING A MOMENT OF FUN
CHIDIDI Reforestation & Sustainable Resource Management
Women doing businees
CHIDIDI Reforestation & Sustainable Resource Management
The once lush forests of Chididi have been cut down, leaving largely barren hillsides susceptible to erosion and dehydration as there is little to keep the soil or water from being washed away in flooding. Temperatures have risen considerably as a result, and farmers struggle to maintain crops that once grew easily. In an effort to restore what has been lost, SURCOD has educated farmers in over 1000 farming communities on implementing reforestation and agricultural conservation techniques. This reforestation begins with creating community nurseries to protect seedlings in the earliest stages of growth. Each community has planted a community nursery in an enclosed fence to protect it against animals. Many nurseries are planted in an area that has had local brush burned to act as a natural firebreak should it be needed.
In the nurseries, trees and shrubs are planted from locally collected seeds. Collecting seeds locally is both cheaper than store-bought seeds, and assures the variety of trees and shrubs will flourish in the local climate as opposed to being better suited to alternate climate. The seedlings grow for approximately two years. During this time, a committee of anywhere from ten to thirty villagers care for the trees, taking responsibility for watering, providing shade as needed, fence maintenance, etc. Trees are then distributed and planted by the community. Some trees, such as mango or orange trees, are given to each farmer. Others that are beneficial for water retention or soil nutrient replenishment are planted in areas where they can be most beneficial to the community as a whole. Sites are chosen by local communities with input and advice from SURCOD leadership. The size of the nursery varies, but an average nursery contains well over 3000 trees of various species. These include:
Kanyasica trees which are planted along riverbanks to protect against erosion and aid water flow.
Fezeri aguezisis trees to be used for timber.
Gricida sepium trees used as “green manure” and preserve water.
Tithonia diversifloria trees which preserve water and fix nitrogen and phosphate in the soil.
Fruit trees such as mangos, oranges, and avocados.
In addition to education in agricultural productivity, SURCOD also educates farmers in modern and improved forestry and farming techniques. These include the above mentioned knowledge of tree and shrub species usefulness, as well as skills such as grafting trees to improve the quality of fruit and production. SURCOD also teaches farmers about conservation agriculture. This includes creation of contouring the land to assist with watering and erosion. Another technique is the creation of swales which are trenches dug periodically on hillsides to prevent erosion and to retain water. Grass is also planted between cultivated rows of crops to prevent erosion and loss of topsoil.
The once lush forests of Chididi have been cut down, leaving largely barren hillsides susceptible to erosion and dehydration as there is little to keep the soil or water from being washed away in flooding. Temperatures have risen considerably as a result, and farmers struggle to maintain crops that once grew easily. In an effort to restore what has been lost, SURCOD has educated farmers in over 1000 farming communities on implementing reforestation and agricultural conservation techniques. This reforestation begins with creating community nurseries to protect seedlings in the earliest stages of growth. Each community has planted a community nursery in an enclosed fence to protect it against animals. Many nurseries are planted in an area that has had local brush burned to act as a natural firebreak should it be needed.
In the nurseries, trees and shrubs are planted from locally collected seeds. Collecting seeds locally is both cheaper than store-bought seeds, and assures the variety of trees and shrubs will flourish in the local climate as opposed to being better suited to alternate climate. The seedlings grow for approximately two years. During this time, a committee of anywhere from ten to thirty villagers care for the trees, taking responsibility for watering, providing shade as needed, fence maintenance, etc. Trees are then distributed and planted by the community. Some trees, such as mango or orange trees, are given to each farmer. Others that are beneficial for water retention or soil nutrient replenishment are planted in areas where they can be most beneficial to the community as a whole. Sites are chosen by local communities with input and advice from SURCOD leadership. The size of the nursery varies, but an average nursery contains well over 3000 trees of various species. These include:
Kanyasica trees which are planted along riverbanks to protect against erosion and aid water flow.
Fezeri aguezisis trees to be used for timber.
Gricida sepium trees used as “green manure” and preserve water.
Tithonia diversifloria trees which preserve water and fix nitrogen and phosphate in the soil.
Fruit trees such as mangos, oranges, and avocados.
In addition to education in agricultural productivity, SURCOD also educates farmers in modern and improved forestry and farming techniques. These include the above mentioned knowledge of tree and shrub species usefulness, as well as skills such as grafting trees to improve the quality of fruit and production. SURCOD also teaches farmers about conservation agriculture. This includes creation of contouring the land to assist with watering and erosion. Another technique is the creation of swales which are trenches dug periodically on hillsides to prevent erosion and to retain water. Grass is also planted between cultivated rows of crops to prevent erosion and loss of topsoil.
STORIES OF WOMEN FROM THE SAVINGS PROJECT
Village Savings & Loan Groups
It takes money to earn money. This age-old adage exemplifies one of the biggest challenges for Chididi’s poorest residents who want to improve their living situation, but don’t have even the most basic resources to do so. In a village where earning 1500 Malawian kwacha ($2.10 USD) a day places one economically ahead of their neighbors, it is difficult to save the money to start a business or improve economically. Traditional banks will not give loans to the destitute who have no collateral or significant means of assuring repayment. Families help as they are able, but they generally have no money to offer assistance, either.
To alleviate this problem, and provide a means of not only obtaining loans, but of saving and earning money, SURCOD has facilitated a number of Village Savings & Loans (VSL) groups. Small groups of approximately fifteen to twenty villagers come together to form a VSL in January of each year. Each member contributes a minimum of 100 Malawian kwacha ($0.15 USD) up to a maximum of 10,000 Malawian kwacha ($14.00 USD) per month. Later, when a member needs a loan for anything from school fees to a new roof for their house, they may borrow up to twice their current savings account from the collective pool. Approval for the loan must be unanimous by all VSL members, although loan requests are seldom denied. The borrower must repay the loan at 20% interest per month. Social responsibility and desire not to let down the group assures that defaulting on loans is virtually unheard of.
Groups meet twice a month to contribute to their own savings, as well as to discuss and approve new loans, repay loans, etc. In December of each year, the group disbands and distributes the extra money among group members by shares. This assures that not only have members had the ability to purchase necessary items they may not have been otherwise capable of doing, but that the money lost to paying interest is redistributed among them as well. Groups reform again in January, usually with the same members, although new members are welcome to join with a majority vote of the other members.
SURCOD has organized thirty VSLs in Chididi. They are led by Community Based Educators (CBEs) who act as local leaders to oversee the facilitation of the VSLs. These leaders are selected by the villagers and volunteer considerable time throughout the month attending meetings in various areas. One such person is John Jonas, who oversees eight VSLs in surrounding villages in addition to assisting with community education. In addition to the CBEs, each group has a secretary who is also responsible for record keeping. With high illiteracy rates among VSL members, this form of double accounting is important to assure that records are accurate and no one has reason to accuse anyone else of altering numbers. Members also have their own record books which are signed whenever they contribute to their account.
Up until 2016, VSL membership has been limited to women because traditionally, female household members tend to be more responsible for household matters, and at times more dependable in repaying loans. In 2017, however, membership will be opened to men as well, which should increase the number of VSLs and, by extension, improve the economic status of the community even more.
It takes money to earn money. This age-old adage exemplifies one of the biggest challenges for Chididi’s poorest residents who want to improve their living situation, but don’t have even the most basic resources to do so. In a village where earning 1500 Malawian kwacha ($2.10 USD) a day places one economically ahead of their neighbors, it is difficult to save the money to start a business or improve economically. Traditional banks will not give loans to the destitute who have no collateral or significant means of assuring repayment. Families help as they are able, but they generally have no money to offer assistance, either.
To alleviate this problem, and provide a means of not only obtaining loans, but of saving and earning money, SURCOD has facilitated a number of Village Savings & Loans (VSL) groups. Small groups of approximately fifteen to twenty villagers come together to form a VSL in January of each year. Each member contributes a minimum of 100 Malawian kwacha ($0.15 USD) up to a maximum of 10,000 Malawian kwacha ($14.00 USD) per month. Later, when a member needs a loan for anything from school fees to a new roof for their house, they may borrow up to twice their current savings account from the collective pool. Approval for the loan must be unanimous by all VSL members, although loan requests are seldom denied. The borrower must repay the loan at 20% interest per month. Social responsibility and desire not to let down the group assures that defaulting on loans is virtually unheard of.
Groups meet twice a month to contribute to their own savings, as well as to discuss and approve new loans, repay loans, etc. In December of each year, the group disbands and distributes the extra money among group members by shares. This assures that not only have members had the ability to purchase necessary items they may not have been otherwise capable of doing, but that the money lost to paying interest is redistributed among them as well. Groups reform again in January, usually with the same members, although new members are welcome to join with a majority vote of the other members.
SURCOD has organized thirty VSLs in Chididi. They are led by Community Based Educators (CBEs) who act as local leaders to oversee the facilitation of the VSLs. These leaders are selected by the villagers and volunteer considerable time throughout the month attending meetings in various areas. One such person is John Jonas, who oversees eight VSLs in surrounding villages in addition to assisting with community education. In addition to the CBEs, each group has a secretary who is also responsible for record keeping. With high illiteracy rates among VSL members, this form of double accounting is important to assure that records are accurate and no one has reason to accuse anyone else of altering numbers. Members also have their own record books which are signed whenever they contribute to their account.
Up until 2016, VSL membership has been limited to women because traditionally, female household members tend to be more responsible for household matters, and at times more dependable in repaying loans. In 2017, however, membership will be opened to men as well, which should increase the number of VSLs and, by extension, improve the economic status of the community even more.
Gender Based Violence Education
In addition to the Victim Support Unit which assists victims of gender based violence and inequality, SURCOD is also implementing a number of education-based initiatives to decrease the level of violence, as well as to combat the occurrences that do happen.
One initiative which has been implemented is the training for a twelve person committee comprised of village leaders such as clergy, community based educators, and women. This committee first attended a three-day gender based violence workshop held November 17-19, and continues with ongoing meetings and workshops.
Committee members are asked to both educate the community about human rights, basic human rights as relate to gender, and to act as a watchdog organization for violence or violations of rights which may occur. When possible, the committee members talk to the perpetrator to try to alter the behavior. If this does not work, they refer victims to the Victim Support Unit.
The committee is particularly focused on certain particularly harmful practices that are at times dangerous not only for the victim, but sometimes for extended families as well. These include cases of property grabbing in which a deceased husband’s family claims property and possessions which legally belong to the widow, leaving her homeless and destitute.
Another practice the committee attempts to stop is the tradition death cleansing or sexual cleansing which can lead to the increased spread of HIV/AIDS. This is an old tradition in southern Malawi based on the superstition that if a ritual is not performed shortly after a husband dies, his spirit will claim other members of the family. To prevent this, another man, preferably from the husband’s family, must sleep with the widow on three separate nights over a maximum of six nights, while asking the husband’s spirit’s blessing on the family. Unfortunately, this practice increases the spread of HIV/AIDS which are already prevalent in the region. The practice is dying out in recent years, with it becoming increasingly common to perform the ritual with one’s own wife rather than the widow, thereby decreasing the potential spread of disease.
The committee further advocates for a widow’s rights when her husband dies. In the past, when a husband died, his brothers would decide the widow’s fate without consulting her. Typically, she would become the wife of one of the brothers. This practice still continues, but it is becoming increasingly common for the widow to be given a choice of whether to marry the brother or someone else of her choosing. While remaining single long-term is not a viable option given the level of poverty and the reality of life in rural communities, the ability to choose, or refuse, a certain husband is an invaluable right for women who may otherwise be forced into an abusive marriage.
The committee also encourages girls to stay in school and to avoid marrying early, often in their mid-teens. Typically, when girls marry, they are expected to begin having children, which is both physically more dangerous as their bodies are still developing, thus leading to potential complications during childbirth, and educationally damaging as they typically drop out of school. By encouraging girls to remain in school, the committee helps prevent both these consequences and helps girls be better suited to become motherhood when they are better suited to do so.
In addition to the Victim Support Unit which assists victims of gender based violence and inequality, SURCOD is also implementing a number of education-based initiatives to decrease the level of violence, as well as to combat the occurrences that do happen.
One initiative which has been implemented is the training for a twelve person committee comprised of village leaders such as clergy, community based educators, and women. This committee first attended a three-day gender based violence workshop held November 17-19, and continues with ongoing meetings and workshops.
Committee members are asked to both educate the community about human rights, basic human rights as relate to gender, and to act as a watchdog organization for violence or violations of rights which may occur. When possible, the committee members talk to the perpetrator to try to alter the behavior. If this does not work, they refer victims to the Victim Support Unit.
The committee is particularly focused on certain particularly harmful practices that are at times dangerous not only for the victim, but sometimes for extended families as well. These include cases of property grabbing in which a deceased husband’s family claims property and possessions which legally belong to the widow, leaving her homeless and destitute.
Another practice the committee attempts to stop is the tradition death cleansing or sexual cleansing which can lead to the increased spread of HIV/AIDS. This is an old tradition in southern Malawi based on the superstition that if a ritual is not performed shortly after a husband dies, his spirit will claim other members of the family. To prevent this, another man, preferably from the husband’s family, must sleep with the widow on three separate nights over a maximum of six nights, while asking the husband’s spirit’s blessing on the family. Unfortunately, this practice increases the spread of HIV/AIDS which are already prevalent in the region. The practice is dying out in recent years, with it becoming increasingly common to perform the ritual with one’s own wife rather than the widow, thereby decreasing the potential spread of disease.
The committee further advocates for a widow’s rights when her husband dies. In the past, when a husband died, his brothers would decide the widow’s fate without consulting her. Typically, she would become the wife of one of the brothers. This practice still continues, but it is becoming increasingly common for the widow to be given a choice of whether to marry the brother or someone else of her choosing. While remaining single long-term is not a viable option given the level of poverty and the reality of life in rural communities, the ability to choose, or refuse, a certain husband is an invaluable right for women who may otherwise be forced into an abusive marriage.
The committee also encourages girls to stay in school and to avoid marrying early, often in their mid-teens. Typically, when girls marry, they are expected to begin having children, which is both physically more dangerous as their bodies are still developing, thus leading to potential complications during childbirth, and educationally damaging as they typically drop out of school. By encouraging girls to remain in school, the committee helps prevent both these consequences and helps girls be better suited to become motherhood when they are better suited to do so.
