STATUS OF FOREST RESOURCES IN MALAWI

CUSTOM N. NYIRENDA

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

Introduction

Forests provide social, economic and environmental benefits

They support livelihoods through the provision of shelter, energy, shade, medicinal plants, income and food.

Forests contribute to the economy of the country

They also are important as carbon sinks and provision of ecosystem services

CLASSIFICATION OF FORESTS

Classification is based on tenure or type

I. TenurePublic forestsCustomaryPrivate

II. Typenatural/indigenousplantation forests.

NATURAL/PLANTATION FORESTS

Total 88 forest reserves for 9,184.51 sq.km Plantations cover 900 sq. km

The largest Government plantation is Viphya covers 53,000 Ha

Private plantations

STATUS OF FOREST RESOURCES

Natural forestsMiombo woodlands: 92.4%Evergreen: 2.6%

Plantations: 5.0%Pine: 3.4%Eucalyptus: 1.1%Others: 0.6%

THREATS/CHALLENGES TO FOREST RESOURCES

Forest resources in Malawi are under massive pressure

Agricultural expansionHuman settlementUnsustainable harvesting for energy (Charcoal

production)Timber requirements;Uncontrolled fires.

Map LULUCF

Trend Analysis(simulated future forest cover at the national level)

(a) Forest conversion risk map, (b) simulated forest cover for 2015, (c) simulated forest cover for 2020.

STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FORESTRY RESOURCES

Re-afforestation through promoting participation of local communities in tree planting and forest management

Establishment and management of VFAs Strengthening community based forest management

2000–2001

2001–2002

2002–2003

2003–2004

2004–2005

2005–2006

2006–2007

2007–2008

2008–2009

2009 – 2010

2010 – 2011

2011 – 2012

2012 – 2013

-

10,000,000

20,000,000

30,000,000

40,000,000

50,000,000

60,000,000

70,000,000

PLANTING TRENDS

Tobacco Levy re-afforestation

• In Rumphi, Mzimba, Kasungu, Mchinji, Dowa, Lilongwe, Ntcheu, Balaka, Mangochi

ApproachConsultations with traditional leadersSensitisation meetings to promote ownershipTraining communitiesProcurement of inputs

Strategies to promote afforestation

Establishment of nurseries at community levelRegistration of VNRMCsProvision of farm inputs

CHALLENGES TO TREE PLANTING INITIATIVES

Survival rate of planted treesForest firesProvision of incertives by other players in the

sector

PLANS FOR 2013/14 NFS

• Target 60,000,000• Tobacco Levy afforestation 5,000,000• Promotion of natural regeneration in areas

where trees have been depleted

Conclussion

Forests play multiple roles in social and economic development; and environmental protection.

Therefore, it is important that forests are

managed in a sustainable manner.