Kapata directs sustaining of decentralized forest program

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Jean Kapata has directed the Director of Forestry to ensure the decentralized forest and other natural resources management program which was being undertaken by the governments of Zambia and Finland from 2015 to 2017 is sustained.

Speaking during the close of the decentralization forest and other natural resources management program, Ms. Kapata has noted that the sustenance of the program will promote decentralization and local community participation in sustainable management of natural resources.

Ms Kapata says the three and half year program has achieved its intended purposes as individual households and community groups are now generating income and improve their livelihoods.

The Minister adds that among the achievements include the signing of community forest management agreements covering 32, 707 hectares of forest on customary land, building the capacity of local communities to become entrepreneurs and training of 1, 094 community members in savings schemes mainly linked to the new Micro-enterprises.

Speaking at the same event, Finnish Ambassador to Zambia, Timo Olkkonen has proposed the need for government to strengthen ward development committees in selected wards to fulfill their intended role and become functional.

The decentralized forest and other natural resources program was being implemented in Chinsali,Nakonde and Shiwang’andu districts of Muchinga Province including Kasempa, Ikelenge and Mwinilunga districts of Northwestern province with support from government of Finland.

The overall objective of the program was to contribute to the reduction of poverty and inequality and improvement of environmental conditions.