African Mining Law and Policy (Law/Mining/Policy crossover) | 10 September 2003
Biomass Energy and Forestry Sustainability in Malawi: A Comparative Analysis
M, a, k, u, l, u, l, i, K, a, m, u, z, u, ,, C, h, i, l, u, f, y, a, M, u, s, o, n, d, a, ,, S, i, m, b, a, M, u, l, i, r, o
Abstract
Biomass energy production in Malawi has been growing due to its renewable nature and potential for rural development. However, sustainable forestry practices are essential to mitigate environmental degradation. A mixed-methods approach combining literature review, stakeholder interviews, and case study analysis was employed. Data from interviews with forest managers indicated that approximately 40% of biomass energy projects incorporate sustainable forestry measures such as reforestation efforts and community engagement programmes. Sustainable forestry practices are underutilized in current biomass energy projects, highlighting the need for policy support to integrate these practices effectively. Government policies should prioritise integrating sustainable forestry into biomass energy development plans to ensure environmental sustainability and social equity. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.