Eco-friendly solutions for a greener Malawi

How is Malawi faring in terms of environmental conservation? Could there be a way to reverse the current deforestation rates and consequently put a stop to man-made disasters that are driving people’s lives to the brink? Our assistant editor Alick Ponje caught up with the Executive Director of the Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (Cure), Charles Mkoka, for answers to these questions and more.

1. What are the primary environmental concerns Malawi is facing currently?
2. Malawi, like many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, faces a range of environmental challenges that impact its ecosystems, biodiversity and the well-being of its people. These problems largely stem from the growing human population, which continues to exert pressure on natural resources.

Some of the primary environmental concerns in Malawi include deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion for arable land, charcoal burning and unsustainable logging practices. This leads to habitat loss, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

Other challenges include soil degradation, water scarcity and pollution. The loss of biodiversity through unsustainable exploitation of natural resources threatens Malawi’s rich ecosystems, including endangered species such as elephants, black rhinos, pangolins and various endemic plant and animal species.

Addressing these environmental challenges requires concerted efforts from the government, civil society and the private sector to promote sustainable land management, conservation of natural resources, nature-based solutions and climate resilience initiatives. International cooperation and support are also crucial for mitigating the impacts of global environmental issues on Malawi’s ecosystems and communities.

1. How has deforestation impacted the ecological system in Malawi and how is this affecting the common Malawian?
2. The loss of biodiversity results in the disappearance of plant and animal species. Malawi is home to diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands and savannas, which support a wide variety of flora and fauna. As forests are cleared for agriculture, logging and fuelwood collection, species lose their habitats, leading to declines in biodiversity and the potential extinction of endemic species.

Deforestation also diminishes ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water purification and climate regulation, resulting in negative impacts on human health, livelihoods and quality of life. For example, reduced access to clean water and increased exposure to air pollution can lead to health problems such as respiratory illnesses and waterborne diseases.

Moreover, as deforestation expands, it contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide stored in trees into the atmosphere. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis.

In summary, deforestation has profound ecological and socio-economic impacts, affecting biodiversity, soil fertility, water resources, climate resilience and the well-being of local communities.

1. The problem of charcoal use has been present for a long time. What do you think could address this issue?
2. The issue of unsustainable charcoal use in Malawi is complex and requires a multifaceted approach that considers both the environmental impacts and the socio-economic factors driving its demand. Some potential strategies that could help address this issue include:

Promoting alternative energy sources: Encouraging the adoption of alternative energy sources, such as clean cookstoves, biogas, solar energy and improved cooking technologies, can reduce reliance on charcoal for cooking and heating.

Government subsidies or incentives: Providing subsidies or incentives for renewable energy technologies can make them more accessible and affordable for households.

Mass awareness campaigns: Increasing public awareness about the environmental and health impacts of charcoal production and use through education programmes and community outreach can help change behaviour and promote sustainable alternatives. The devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy should send a strong message on the need to manage our fragile landscapes through integrated landscape management.

Economic incentives and livelihood alternatives: Providing economic incentives and livelihood alternatives for communities dependent on charcoal production can help reduce reliance on charcoal as a livelihood option. This could include supporting alternative income-generating activities, such as sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism and small-scale enterprises, as well as providing vocational training and access to credit and market opportunities.

1. What initiatives are in place to promote renewable energy usage in Malawi?
2. Malawi has implemented several initiatives to promote renewable energy usage as part of its efforts to address energy poverty, reduce dependency on biomass and fossil fuels and mitigate climate change impacts.

Renewable energy policy framework: Malawi has developed policy frameworks and strategies to promote renewable energy development, including the National Charcoal Strategy 2017-2027, the revised National Energy Policy (2018) and the Renewable Energy Strategy (2017). These documents provide guidance for promoting renewable energy technologies and increasing their contribution to the national energy mix.

Malawi Rural Electrification Programme: This programme aims to increase access to electricity in rural areas through the deployment of renewable energy technologies. There are also biomass energy initiatives, such as improved cookstoves and biogas digesters, to provide clean and sustainable cooking and heating solutions.

1. Do you think Malawi is doing enough to address climate change in the wake of various disasters?
2. While Malawi has taken steps to address climate change and its associated impacts, including implementing policies and initiatives aimed at building resilience and reducing vulnerability, there is still room for improvement. Climate change poses significant challenges for Malawi, particularly in light of the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods and, recently, pests and diseases.

As such, Malawi needs to strengthen climate change adaptation measures to enhance resilience to climate-related risks and disasters. This includes investing in early warning systems, climate-smart agriculture practices, water resource management and infrastructure development that is climate-proofed to withstand extreme weather events.

There is also a need to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts by prioritising disaster risk reduction to minimise the impacts of climate-related disasters on communities and infrastructure. This includes strengthening building codes, land-use planning and emergency response mechanisms, as well as promoting community-based adaptation strategies.