'I thought we were only going to learn about tree planting but we have learnt how to regenerate our whole environment' Senior Headman Musopelo.

A beacon of hope: Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR).

Farmers learning about Managed Natural Regeneration

 We have always been impressed by the large number of trees that CPCA has germinated and planted. We have also been aware that for a range of reasons this has not translated into as many new trees and forests as they and we would like to see and the demand for wood both for cooking and selling meant that the trees that grew were often cut down.

So it was especially exciting to hear about the introduction of FMNR which looks like it will address these issues. FMNR encourages farmers to protect and nurture existing tree stumps, root systems, and regrowth promoting rapid restoration of degraded landscapes. It is a sustainable and cheaper alternative to labour intensive tree replanting. It restores degraded landscapes, enhances soil fertility, and mitigates the effects of climate change. It empowers farmers to become stewards of their land, fostering resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It also includes building stoves which do not require as much wood.

In September and October, Chibombo Peoples Climate Action (CPCA) has been working with government and non-governmental agencies to deliver a huge training programme involving hundreds of local farmers. ( There are more details of the training on p7 of our report)

Stakeholders such as local headmen have taken a key role. Senior Headman Mululu's area includes Lunjofwa forest which now lies bare of shrubs, said 'Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us , don't ever get tired of teaching us, where we go wrong, correct us..'

'Giving hope of having a healed environment and thriving forests.' How FMNR works

There are many deforested areas that have healthy roots still alive, where shrubs sprout every year. In the past these have been burnt or destroyed, especially in fields. The Ministry of Green Economy has set a target for regenerating 116 square miles of forests in Chibombo by 2027 and for CPCA to regenerate 7.7 square miles ; CPCA are already working on 10% of their designated area

CPCA are now teaching land owners that the shrubs can be pruned out, leaving one or two stems tied together. Each land owner is tasked to prune out a reasonable area. This activity and process is instilling a deeper sense of ownership and lifelong stewardship of the environment. The Ministry of Agriculture has set a standard that there must be at least 40 trees in a hectare where crops are produced .

Firewood saving stoves use less wood and emit less smoke, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released in the air and reduce respiratory diseases.

We funded a model project to build 100 firewood saving stoves in to encourage more households to use them. 51 households now have firewood saving stoves. They are grateful that they no longer have to go long distances to look for firewood; they also know how to get twigs from shrubs after trimming their bushes for the managed natural regeneration programme. The twigs are enough for their stoves. 'Hours of enduring breathing smoke from the open fire which usually resulted in  persistent coughing is now history.'

Want to know more?

Save the date - 11th Feb 2026 7-9.30pm for our Friends meeting where we are planning to have a live link with the Chibombo Peoples Climate Action (CPCA) project co-ordinator who will answer your questions. More details available soon

There is more information in our report

Fundraising news

Our harvest fundraiser was a huge success. We met our target to raise £500. Huge thanks to our hosts Peter and Yvonne who put on a delicious spread, to Phil and Avril for wonderful music, to everyone who came and gave so generously and everyone who made cakes, jams, chutneys etc to sell

Our Promises Auction is now live!

You can bid on unique, personal "promises"—perfect as thoughtful gifts for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions or to treat yourself! it will finish on 6th December

Thank you for helping grow a more sustainable future—one promise at a time!