LTS International, in collaboration with Cardno Agrisystem. is providing technical support to the Forest Department of the Malawi Ministry of Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs, in the implementation of the “Improved Forest Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme” (IFMSLP).

Forests in Malawi are generally public assets managed by the state, or common property resources on customary land. Limited stakeholder participation and weak implementation of legal frameworks result in overexploitation of forest resources. The rural poor depend heavily on natural resources, in particular forests, for their livelihood. High demand for firewood in urban areas drives many to non-sustainable forest activities to meet immediate livelihood needs.

The objectives of this EC funded programme are to improve the livelihoods of rural communities through the conservation and sustainable use of Malawi's forest resources, to negotiate and secure access rights to state forest reserves under collaborative management arrangements and to strengthen the natural assets of the poor to meet basic needs, through promoting better shared and equitable management of customary forests.

Since its inception Phase I of the programme has made significant achievements, including the following outcomes:

• 23 858 hectares are managed according to agreed forest management plans, applying pre-defined harvesting schedules and quantities.
• Over 23 million trees have been protected on customary land and an additional 1.9 million trees planted.
• 10 500 hectares of customary forests have been set aside for regeneration.
  
  

For a little more information on the project please follow the link to the EC website copied below. Or contact us!

 http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/documents/case-studies/malawi_forestry_en.pdf