The Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Services Project (MWASIP) has disbursed K285 million in finance incentives to communities in Chingale, Zomba to help them to invest in small businesses.

Speaking during the funds disbursement exercise, Zomba district commissioner, Reignhard Chavula encouraged the beneficiaries to invest in sustainable income generating activities.

“The value of money depends on how someone is going to use it. The better the investment, the better the value that you have given to the money,” Chavula said.

MWASIP Technical Officer Joseph Kanyangalazi, said they are using the catchment developmental conservation fund to encourage communities to continue implementing sustainable land and water management practices in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Kanyangalazi said so far, the beneficiaries have restored 7000 hectares of degraded land.

Annie Chanika, one of the beneficiaries said the funds will encourage them to put more effort into forest regeneration and conservation.