MALAWI

Deforestation is a major problem in Malawi. Between 1990 and 2005 the country lost almost 13% of its total forest cover, and 35% of its primary forest cover. The main causes are fuelwood collection, charcoal production, and subsistence and commercial agriculture. Deforestation has resulted in other environmental problems, such as soil erosion and the build-up of silt in Lake Malawi. 23 species of trees are endangered.

Charcoal production is a widespread, but, to date, illegal practice. For many people, selling charcoal and firewood is the only source of income. It has been illegal since 1966, but the authorities largely turned a blind eye until the mid-1990s, after which some attempts were made to clamp down on the practice. However, a 2007 report by IIED concluded that regulating the charcoal industry would encourage sustainable investment in, and use of, forested areas and bring in tax revenues for the government of over $41million per year, making the industry potentially one of the country's top earners. Encouraged by IIED's Forest Governance Learning Group, the government is now decriminalising charcoal production and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The Malawi government has few resources and the economy depends on assistance from the World Bank and IMF. Allegations of corruption and misuse of aid donations decreased confidence in the governments ability to tackle its many challenges, including the serious environmental problems. The UN programme for Malawi from 2008-2011 includes elements on strengthening environmental governance, by the authorities and communities, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources and conservation.

DOCUMENTS

DATE	TITLE	AUTHOR
01/05/2009	Forest Governance Learning Group Update May 2009 This 7th Forest Governance Learning Group Update describes activities and their impacts over the last ...	Forest Governance Learning Group
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01/06/2008	Forest Governance Learning Group Update June 2008 This Update highlights the impacts and plans of the Forest Governance Learning Group in its country-based ...	IIED
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01/02/2008	Forest Products Trade between China and Africa: An Analysis of Imports and Exports Recent media coverage of China's efforts to secure access to natural resources in Africa suggests ...	Forest Trends (Kerstin Canby, James Hewitt, Luke Bailey, Eugenia Katsigris, Sun Xiufang)
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01/01/2007	Charcoal: A study of charcoal consumption, trade and production in Malawi The charcoal industry is one of the largest in Malawi. If it was exported, the annual foreign exchange ...	International Institute for Environment and Development
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NEWS

DATE	TITLE	AUTHOR
08/01/2010	Malawi: Dry spell flashes red lights over Malawi national tree Malawi conservationists say the current dry spell that has hit the southern African country, which could ...	Afrique en Ligne
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08/10/2008	Malawi: Charcoal is a burning issue Blanture - Faisoni Kandoje, 38, has sold charcoal for nearly two decades. Each day he sets up his stall ...	IRIN Africa
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17/11/2005	Nigeria has worst deforestation rate, FAO revises figures Nigeria has the world's highest deforestation rate of primary forests according to revised deforestation ...	Mongabay.com
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01/11/2005	Malawi is burning, and deforestation erodes economy Malosa, Malawi - Lovely and lissome, the masuku tree rises maybe 35 feet at maturity, its wood the hue ...	The New York Times
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