Malawi stands at a critical point where the pressures of population growth and environmental degradation can no longer be ignored.
if these issues remain unchecked, the consequences will be severe-reducing agricultural productivity, worsening water shortages, increased food insecurity, and greater vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
We face the challenge of balancing a rapidly growing population with environmental sustainability. With over 20 million people and a 2.9 percent annual growth rate, pressure on land, water, and forests has intensified. Deforestation, soil erosion, and declining water resources are becoming increasingly evident, affecting agriculture, food security, and livelihoods.
One of the most visible signs of environmental degradation is deforestation. Firewood and charcoal remain the primary energy sources for most households, leading to widespread forest destruction. Once-thriving forests in Dzalanyama and Mulanje are suffering from illegal logging. The loss of forests increases soil erosion, reducing agricultural productivity, leaving farmers struggling with declining yields despite billions spent on fertiliser subsidies.
Soil fertility loss is another issue. With each generation, many are left with plots too small for sustainable farming. Over-cultivation, combined with poor soil management, depletes nutrients, forcing farmers to rely on chemical fertilisers, which further degrades the soil. This cycle of overuse and declining productivity threatens food security.
Lake Malawi, once an abundant source of fish, is now struggling with overfishing. As the population grows, more people rely on fishing for survival, leading to unsustainable harvesting practices. Traditional fishing methods have been replaced with fine-mesh nets and illegal fishing in breeding areas, depleting fish stocks.
In Mangochi and Nkhotakota districts, declining fish populations are forcing many fishers to migrate or abandon the trade altogether, threatening both food security and income for thousands.
Water resources are also under severe strain. In urban centres such as Lilongwe and Blantyre, water shortages have become more frequent due to deforestation and increased demand.
The Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, which plays a key role in supplying water to Lilongwe, has been severely degraded. Rivers such as the Lingadzi and Lilongwe are heavily silted, reducing water flow. In rural areas, communities struggle to access clean water, especially during droughts. As groundwater levels decline, boreholes frequently dry up, increasing the burden on already stretched water supplies.
Urbanisation has compounded these environmental challenges. In Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Zomba, and Blantyre, rapid population growth has led to the expansion of informal settlements, often without proper planning. Houses are built on riverbanks and wetlands, increasing the risk of flooding during the rainy season. Waste management is another growing problem, with city authorities struggling to keep up with increasing garbage levels. Overflowing dumpsites and the burning of waste contribute to both land and air pollution.
Climate change has made these environmental challenges even worse. Deforestation and poor land management have increased Malawi’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. Cyclone Freddy in 2023 devastated parts of the country, causing floods and landslides that destroyed homes, farmlands, and infrastructure. Districts like Phalombe and Chiradzulu were hit hardest, leaving thousands displaced and without food. These disasters highlight the urgent need for better land-use planning and climate adaptation strategies.
Efforts to combat environmental degradation have seen some success, but they remain insufficient. Government reforestation programs and initiatives by organizations such as the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust have helped slow deforestation in some areas. Alternative energy sources like improved cook-stoves and solar power offer a solution to reliance on firewood and charcoal, but affordability remains a challenge.
Conservation agriculture and agroforestry practices have shown promise in improving soil fertility, but adoption has been slow due to limited farmer education and resources.
Stronger policies and enforcement are needed to regulate fishing, land use, and urban expansion. Community-led conservation efforts in Ntchisi have helped protect forests and promote sustainable land management, but they require greater support.
The government must also prioritize investments in water management, waste disposal, and alternative energy solutions to ensure long-term environmental stability.
Source: The nation-Alick Nyasulu-21 March 2025.