Speaking during a multi-stakeholder policy roundtable held in Lilongwe on Wednesday, 18 March 2025, Law Enforcement Officer Daniel Kabichi said joint efforts are key to reversing the degradation of the forest reserve.

“You know, inter-agency partnership is very important in tackling issues, especially Dzalanyama,” said Kabichi. “This crucial ecosystem helps secure the provision of water and even fauna and flora.”

Kabichi described Dzalanyama as a critical water catchment area in Malawi’s central region but noted that it is under pressure due to illegal tree cutting driven by charcoal demand.

“The biggest problem that we are having as Forestry Department now is to have a well-informed society that will be able to make rational decisions on energy use,” he said. “People are fighting for the fewer resources that are remaining just to get charcoal for their day-to-day use.”

He added that communities often rely on charcoal production as a source of income, especially during difficult climatic and economic conditions, stressing the need to promote alternative energy sources.

The roundtable was organised by Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) under its Community Engagement Project for Mindset Change to Reverse Deforestation and Degradation of Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, which is funded by the Science for Africa Foundation.

The project’s Co-Principal Investigator, Paul Fatch, said the initiative has made significant progress in engaging stakeholders at all levels.