MWASIP
Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project
Scaled up landscape restoration in the middle and upper Shire River Basin through performance-based grants for plantations and natural regeneration.
MWASIP aimed to increase the adoption of sustainable landscape management practices and improve watershed services in targeted watersheds of the Shire River Basin. The Department of Forestry implemented performance-based grants for plantation establishment and for natural regeneration management, and grants to improve watershed services.
Results
2,937.63 hectares brought under natural regeneration management across the seven districts.
177.32 hectares of plantations established by individual tree growers on customary land in Ntcheu, Zomba and Machinga.
92.56 hectares of government plantation replanted by private growers in Nauko and Zomba Mountain plantations.
225.2 km of riverbanks, 789.19 hectares of customary land and 380 hectares of government plantations rehabilitated by tree planting; a further 2,138.51 hectares restored through natural regeneration.
17 participatory forest management plans and 2 block management plans developed, and 182 village forest areas mapped.
8,003.63 kg of tree seed collected and 2,703.33 kg distributed; 21 seed sources established.
Officers trained: 8 at master’s level, 39 at diploma level, 17 in GIS, and 16 extension workers.
10 plantation houses rehabilitated; 6 vehicles, 9 computers and 7 solar systems procured.
Lessons
Land for individual plantations was scarce, and shortage of farmland pushed some farmers into buffer and riparian zones. Illegal charcoal production, timber harvesting and farming continued to degrade reserves and customary forests.
Desk officer: Fortune Mwafulirwa, Senior Deputy Director.