Addressing deforestation in Malawi
As reviewed, deforestation impacts are widespread, costly and affect many sectors of the Malawi economy. There is, therefore, need to find a lasting solution to deforestation in Malawi. To solve the problem, there is need to solve two major problems: 1. How to encourage local communities to plant and manage trees and protect deforested areas to allow forest regeneration and 2. How to reduce Malawi’s overdependence on wood as a source of energy. We cannot prevent poor people from cutting down trees unless they are offered alternative livelihood strategies to earn a living. No amount of soldiers can protect Dzalanyama Forest Reserve and other areas unless we address the real reasons why surrounding communities are cutting down trees. We cannot stop people in cities and towns from using charcoal and firewood unless we provide an economically viable energy alternative. We haven’t.
Some authors, like French (1986), have argued that deforestation in Malawi is an unsolvable problem. French argued that neither communities nor government, nor private sector can solve deforestation in Malawi. I beg to differ. Deforestation in Malawi can be solved given long-term political will, innovative approaches and a coordinated integrated solution through afforestation and forest regeneration of upstream catchment areas. This article will offer some innovative solutions to reverse the extent of deforestation in Malawi. Doing nothing is not an option.
Read more about Need for right policies, Deforestation regulatory framework, Scaled-up afforestation tree regeneration activities, Reducing demand for fuelwood, Forgiving smart partnerships to solve deforestation, Role of local communities and Role of government, Local authorities, NGOs, Utility organisations and private sector.
Summary
Smart public and private partnerships between government, utility institutions, private sector, civil society and local communitites are possible for afforestation and forest regeneration in Malawi. Working together, it is possible to solve deforestation in Malawi and address its effects on flooding, siltation, water and power shortages. Water and power utilities and private companies that depend on water and woodfuel should pay a levy for Ecosystem Services to Mepa. Funds collected by Mepa will finance afforestation and forest regeneration activities at the local level through district LDF structures. I rest my case.
