About us - Department of Forestry Malawi

About the Department of Forestry

The Department of Forestry was established in 1942, as the lead agency in the administration of the National Forest Policy and the Forestry Act in Malawi. We work under the Malawian Government's Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources as an agency established to plan and provide technical extension and guidance as well as facilitate forestry development on customary land and forest reserves. We promote the participation of all stakeholders in the sustainable management of Malawi’s natural resources.

Our Mandate

To ensure sustainable development, conservation and utilisation of forestry resources for socio-economic growth and development of Malawi.

Our Vision

To become a dynamic, high-performing, consultative and client-focused authority which promotes, builds and ensures sustainable development, utilisation, protection and management of forests to reduce poverty.

Our Mission

To guide, plan, coordinate, facilitate and promote active participation of all stakeholders in the sustainable development and utilisation of forest resources, goods and services for socio-economic development.

Guiding Principles

Sustainability
Social Inclusion
Quality
Partnership
Integration

Strategic Objectives

Provide an enabling framework for promoting the participation of local communities, civil society and the private sector in forest conservation and management
Promote the establishment of forestry-based small and medium scale industries
Promote the growing of trees by communities in order to achieve sustainable, self-sufficiency of wood and forest products and services
Promote the sustainable management of forests for protection of the environment, conservation of biodiversity and climate change management
Promote the development of initiatives for adequate and sustainable short-, medium- and long-term financing mechanisms for the forestry sector and its contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP)
Enhance the development of realistic human resources commensurate with the implementation of the National Forest Policy
Promote the sustained management and utilisation of forest resources based on research findings and recommendations
Promote a well-regulated, compliant and monitored forestry sector with clearly defined forest standards and guidelines
Enhance cooperation in forestry-related issues at national, regional and international levels to maximize resources and information flows into the forestry sector