Workshop in Malawi Explores Benefits of Integrated Landscape Management
18 September 2024, Malawi: CABI scientists facilitated a two-and-a-half-day workshop with key stakeholders in Malawi to explore an Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) to improve ecosystem goods and services for the benefit of people and the environment.
Twenty-one participants from various sectors, including government institutions, local and international NGOs, and representatives of existing landscape and civil society platforms got together to develop CABI Landscapes Initiative for Malawi.
These included representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change (MNRCC), the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Tourism, Academia, representatives from the National Cross-Sectoral Forest Landscape Restoration Platform and various community-based organizations.
The workshop was officially opened by Geoffrey Mamba, Principal Secretary for Agriculture in charge of irrigation, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, who served as the Guest of Honour.
Crucial role in advancing the ILM agenda
These stakeholders played a crucial role in advancing the ILM agenda, sharing on-the-ground insights and practical experiences from successful projects to better manage natural resources more sustainably across the country.
The workshop highlighted the drivers of degradation, among them the need for energy sources, such as charcoal and/or firewood, and the importance of protecting water catchments, especially those in proximity to large urban centres.
In his opening remarks, Mr Mamba, said, “These discussions are a proactive step towards understanding the negative impacts of adverse weather conditions.” He also noted that “effective landscape management is essential for ensuring food security, clean water, and reduced carbon emissions.”
Manage natural resources sustainably
Dr Hariet Hinz, CABI’s Global Director for Invasive Species, said, “Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) is a globally recognized approach that fosters long-term collaboration among diverse stakeholders to manage natural resources sustainably.
“ILM is a holistic, participatory and multi-disciplinary approach, which aims to address the drivers of major global challenges such as land degradation, climate warming and land use change.”.
“In Malawi, where land degradation, including deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices are significant challenges, ILM offers a pathway to resilient landscapes that can support sustainable livelihoods and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
The workshop revealed that one of the main drivers of deforestation and thus land degradation is the need for charcoal and/or firewood as an energy source for cooking. Without addressing this need any reforestation efforts will not be sustainable in the long run.
Presentations on ILM success stories
As part of the workshop, participants, engaged in various sessions designed to clarify what ILM is and its implementation in Malawi.
They included presentations on ILM centred success stories and challenges from the Department of Forestry and IUCN, as well as hands-on examples from Wells for Zoë and Fisherman’s Rest on community-based projects which included tree planting, erosion control, education, and the construction of low-energy cooking stoves.
There were also group discussions on how to overcome barriers to ILM, which built upon outputs from the previous workshop in Kenya and included fragmented governance, land tenure issues, the research-implementation gap and the lack of long-term finance mechanisms.
The most important part of the workshop was a group work and discussion in plenary where attendees collaborated to identify key landscapes in Malawi for ILM interventions and potential project areas.
Factors considered included the prevalence of degraded land, presence of invasive plants, whether the area has been prioritized for restoration or conservation, whether there are any active community groups or existing management plans, as well as ongoing activities and projects to avoid duplication and capitalize on synergies.
Groundwork laid for future ILM projects
As the workshop concluded, participants laid the groundwork for future ILM projects in Malawi. The insights gained and contacts made are extremely valuable for CABI to further develop its Landscapes Initiative. It was especially encouraging to learn that a National Cross-Sectoral Forest Landscape Restoration Platform already exists, which CABI will be able to contribute to and build on.
Dr Arne Witt, Coordinator for Invasive Species Management, emphasized that, “CABI is not here to compete, but dedicated to working alongside our partners in Malawi to advance sustainable practices that protect and restore the country’s landscapes.”
The workshop, held at the Sunbird Livingstonia, followed a similar recent workshop in Kenya which explored an ILM approach which is the consolidation of the often contrasting and divergent needs between economic development, such as food production, and the conservation of biodiversity and nature.
CABI is now looking to engage stakeholders in similar workshops to be held in Tanzania (8-10 October) and Ethiopia (beginning of November).
Please reach out at info@krishakjagat.org, nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org if you would like to share your company story or advertise in the upcoming issue of Global Agriculture magazine.
(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News)
(+80 Million Farming Audience Visits Krishak Jagat’s Hindi Website – Click Here for Website)
