Restoration and Conservation of Zomba-Malosa Forest Reserve and Lake Chilwa Basin Ecosystems (RESCO)-Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe (UCHI) Project

The Restoration and Conservation of Zomba-Malosa Forest Reserve and Lake Chilwa Basin Ecosystems (RESCO -Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe UCHI Project) is implemented partnership withLeadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) and the Zomba District Council. The project tackles severe land degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss in one of Malawi’s most ecologically critical areas i.e the Lake Chilwa Basin and Zomba-Malosa forest reserves. Operating across Zomba District, the project targets 3,000 vulnerable households, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. It works through local governance structures such as Village Natural Resource Management Committees (VNRMCs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs). The project restores degraded landscapes using Nature based Solutions (NbS), promotes drought tolerant traditional crops, and builds climate resilience. Over four years, it aims to significantly reduce encroachment, improve biomass and biodiversity, and enhance food security and diversified livelihoods. The project is part of Malawi’s national “Greening and Growing Malawi- Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe (UCHI)” program, contributing directly to sustainable, inclusive economic growth and food system transformation.