Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources Nancy Tembo has encouraged Malawians to adopt alternative sources of energy to reduce dependency on charcoal.
Speaking last week after touring Ntchisi Forest Reserve accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Micheal Usi, Tembo said despite scaling up efforts to curb charcoal production, it still remains the major cause of depleting the forests; hence, the need to adopt alternative sources of energy.
She said: ”Time has come for the public to embrace alternative sources of energy. This charcoal business will continue bringing us environmental misfortunes.”
According to Tembo, the adoption of low firewood cookstoves(chitetezo mbaula), production and usage of briquettes and acceleration of gas stove usage are some of the alternative sources of energy that can be adopted.
In his remarks, village head Ngoza, whose area borders the rain forest, thanked the two ministers of touring the reserve.
He said his community has been equipped through various afforestation and livelihood upliftment initiatives being championed by Ntchisi Forest Lodge situated within the reserve.
The chief said: ”As locals, we are advised to champion forest conservation by planting trees besides promoting the adoption of alternative sources of energy as a means of minimizing charcoal demands.
The National Charcoal Strategy of 2017 to 2027 states that over 27 percent of households in malawi depends on illegally and unsustainably sourced biomass(charcoal and firewood) for domestic cooking and heating energy.
Source: The Nation_April 13, 2021_By Gift Chimulu-Contributor