Zambia: The Charcoal Association Chairperson, Ephealos Ndele, has taken his team to engage in a tree-planting campaign. The initiative was hosted in three chiefdoms in the district namely Macha, Mapanza and Cooma.
The tree-planting campaign was hosted with the aim of encouraging more youngsters to take an interest in fighting climate change. The plantation of trees in large numbers can help Zambia take a great leap towards addressing the detrimental affects of climate change.
The chairperson of the coal association discussed the project’s significance for the country’s better future and expressed his deep gratitude to the stakeholders who are supporting the organization in the initiative.
According to Ndele, the Food and Agriculture Organization-FAO funded and sponsored the exercise. The sponsors asserted that the gesture is aimed at countering the effects of Climate Change.
Ephealos Ndele informed the media that association has so far donated 300 Gliricidia trees to Simunzele Primary and Secondary School in Mapanza. The plantation of the trees at the school premises will help students learn from a young age about the importance of planting trees.
The trees donated to the school authorities can also benefit the people of the community in the long run.
Ndele explains that the Gliricidia trees have several economic benefits which include making animal feed. Meanwhile, the communities can also procure wood for roofing houses as well as the making of charcoal.
Finally, the Charcoal Association Chairperson, Ephealos Ndele said that the tree species is also highly marketable if sold as is.
Further, the Simunzele Primary and Secondary School authorities have appreciated the gesture. Acting Head-teacher Caroline Namakanda has asked Non-Governmental Organizations and other stakeholders to include Village Headmen in the fight against Climate Change in the country.
Namakanda highlights that the school is also facing several challenges due to the effects of Climate Change. She expressed her discontent with the situation, saying there is a water shortage for human and plant use.
She also expressed her disappointment with the increased levels of tree-cutting in the community.