Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has warned charcoal burners in the area to desist from indiscriminate cutting down of trees and late burning of fields.

Acting Principal Green Economy Officer Business, Gabwe Sikantongwe says those involved in deliberate cutting down of trees for charcoal production are negatively affecting the environment.

ZANIS reports that speaking in Ngabwe District, Mr Sikantongwe warned charcoal burners and the locals from late burning of fields which is the source of wildfire.

He said the rampant indiscriminate cutting down of trees affects the environment as it creates the negative effects that are leading to climate change.

Mr Sikantongwe, has noted with dismay that people in the area are in the habit of burning fields which is a source of wild fire and cutting down trees for charcoal and later transporting it into urban areas.

” I advise the local community to avoid burning of fields and indiscriminate cutting of trees to mitigate effects of climate change ,” Mr Sikantongwe said.

He further said residents should shun cutting trees for opening up new crop fields but must instead maintain their existing fields.

Lawrence Tembo, a charcoal trader, said climate change has deeply affected agriculture production in the area.

“Charcoal burning is our only source  of livelihood hence we produce huge quantities of charcoal,” Mr Phiri said.

“What I have observed is that people here are poor, and they are forced to engage themselves in charcoal burning to earn a living,” he said.

Mr Tembo encouraged charcoal burners to abandon their activities and instead apply for Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to engage in less destructive business activities.

Meanwhile, fish traders  have complained of the reduction of fish stock in the river due to lower water levels as a result of drought.