Forest Landscape Restoration Opportunities Assessment for Malawi

The assessment was conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), with support from the USAID-funded PERFORM project and other international organizations. The assessment identified key challenges and opportunities for FLR in Malawi, including land degradation, deforestation, and limited access to markets and resources. The study found that agricultural technologies, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and forest management, have the potential to address these challenges and improve livelihoods for local communities. The assessment used a multi-criteria spatial analysis to evaluate the feasibility of different restoration interventions, including agricultural technologies, community forests, and water conservation. The analysis considered factors such as food security, resilience, and biodiversity, and identified areas with high potential for restoration. The study recommended a range of recommendations for FLR in Malawi, including the implementation of agricultural technologies, community forests, and water conservation. The recommendations also emphasized the importance of policy and institutional support for FLR, including the development of a national forest restoration policy and the establishment of a forest restoration fund. The assessment identified several key areas for restoration, including the Liwonde Forest Reserve, the Shire Highlands, and the Lower Shire Valley. These areas were identified as having high potential for restoration due to their ecological and economic significance. The study also highlighted the importance of involving local communities in the restoration process, including through the establishment of community-managed forests and the provision of training and capacity-building support. The assessment recommended the development of a community-based forest restoration program, which would provide support for local communities to establish and manage their own forests. The Forest Landscape Restoration Opportunities Assessment for Malawi provides a comprehensive framework for addressing land degradation and deforestation in the country. The assessment highlights the importance of a multi-faceted approach to FLR, which includes the implementation of agricultural technologies, community forests, and water conservation, as well as policy and institutional support. The assessment also emphasizes the need for a long-term commitment to FLR, including the establishment of a national forest restoration policy and the development of a forest restoration fund. The study recommends the establishment of a national forest restoration program, which would provide a framework for coordinating FLR efforts across the country. The Forest Landscape Restoration Opportunities Assessment for Malawi provides a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working on FLR in Malawi. The assessment highlights the importance of a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to FLR, and provides a framework for addressing the complex challenges facing the country.