"Rooted in Action"

... Mupapa Wood Initiative lead the Charge in empowering communities through environmental Restoration and Combating climate change with community-driven forestry

By Francis Maingaila 

Chikupi, Kafue – (18-11- 2024) - 

The Mupapa Wood Initiative, through its Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative (MESSI), has launched an ambitious reforestation project in Chikupi, a rural community in Kafue, aimed at combating deforestation and addressing climate change.

The initiative, which seeks to plant over 1,500 indigenous tree seedlings, is part of a broader effort to restore degraded ecosystems, improve local biodiversity, and build climate resilience in the region. 

The project focuses on reversing the ecological damage caused by deforestation, which has led to soil erosion, disrupted water cycles, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Reversing Ecological Damage

Chikupi, like many rural areas in Zambia, has suffered significant ecological degradation in recent years, primarily due to deforestation for agricultural expansion and firewood collection. 

This has caused soil erosion, reduced water retention, and worsened local agricultural conditions. 

The Mupapa Wood Initiative aims to address these environmental challenges by planting native trees that will restore ecological balance and improve local agricultural productivity.

Ruth Ironeside Chande, CEO of the Mupapa Wood Initiative, highlighted the project’s importance in restoring the environment. “This project is about healing the land. 

By restoring our forests, we combat climate change, safeguard biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future for Chikupi and surrounding areas,” she said.

Community Engagement and Economic Opportunities

One of the key components of the project is the active involvement of the local community. 

To maximize the survival rate of the newly planted saplings, the initiative has strategically timed the planting to coincide with the rainy season. 

Local residents are also being engaged in various aspects of the project, including nursery management, seedling care, and tree planting.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the project is creating new employment opportunities for the community. 

Local workers are being trained in sustainable forestry practices, which will not only support the project’s long-term success but also provide valuable skills that can be applied to other agricultural and environmental initiatives.

Chande emphasized the role of collaboration in ensuring the project’s success. 

“We cannot do this alone. We need support from government bodies, NGOs, and private organizations to make this initiative successful and impactful,” she said.

Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development

A unique feature of the project is its focus on empowering women in the community. The Mbuyoti Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Magoba Camp, Chikupi, is central to the project’s operations. 

The cooperative is responsible for nurturing indigenous seedlings in local nurseries, which will later be planted in areas affected by soil erosion.

Beyond their environmental work, the women in the cooperative are also involved in income-generating activities such as onion farming and poultry production. 

Their participation in these ventures has helped them achieve greater financial independence and improved livelihoods for their families.

“This initiative empowers us as women. It’s helping us improve our environment while building better livelihoods for our families,” said one cooperative member.

Expanding the Impact

As the project progresses, there are plans to expand the initiative to neighboring areas, with hopes of creating a long-term impact on both the environment and local economies.

 The Mupapa Wood Initiative’s approach aligns with national and global climate goals, addressing deforestation while contributing to carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and water retention—key factors in promoting sustainable farming practices.

The project’s success has already been recognized by local environmentalists and community leaders, who have praised its potential to bring lasting environmental and economic benefits to the region.

“This project will not only improve the environment but also create sustainable economic opportunities for Chikupi’s residents,” a local leader remarked.

A Model for Future Environmental Restoration Projects

The Mupapa Wood Initiative’s reforestation project serves as a model for other rural communities facing similar environmental challenges. 

With its emphasis on community engagement, women’s empowerment, and sustainable practices, the initiative has the potential to inspire similar projects across Zambia and the broader Southern Africa region.

As the project grows, it aims to help more communities become resilient to the effects of climate change, while also promoting sustainable development and economic growth in rural areas.