State Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has called for urgent reforms in the forest plantation sector, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in protecting and managing Malawi’s forests sustainably for the benefit of future generations.
Speaking during the launch of the Forest Plantation Fee Structure Report and Public-Private Engagement on Forest Plantations on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Dr. Usi emphasized the need to revise outdated forest pricing policies, which he said were severely limiting the country’s growth potential in this sector.
“Our current forest plantation sector contributes just 0.1% to the national GDP. This is unacceptable and reflects the undervaluation of our natural resources. We must realign our fee structures with regional standards to unlock the full economic potential of our forests,” said Usi.
He added that revising forest fees would not only boost government revenue, but also attract significant private sector investment.
“By implementing a competitive forest fee structure, we can attract meaningful investment in the forestry sector, including opportunities in carbon finance. This increased investment will create jobs, drive economic growth, and foster development in rural areas where many of our plantations are situated. Additionally, the revenue generated from a revised pricing policy can be reinvested into forest management practices, research, and infrastructure, further strengthening the sector,” said Usi.
In his words, William Chadza, Executive Director of MwAPATA Institute, echoed Dr. Usi’s sentiments, highlighting the critical need for Malawi to reassess its pricing policies.
“The forestry sector, particularly plantation forests, has remained underfunded and underutilized. By aligning our pricing with that of our neighbors, we can stimulate growth and make a tangible impact on our national economy,” said Chadza.
Chadza also stressed that failing to act now would result in continued degradation of forest plantations, further weakening the forestry sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP and limiting future conservation efforts.
Dr. Yusuf Mkungula, Principal Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, added that inadequate pricing has also led to poor resource allocation from the government, further stifling the sector.
“The study’s findings have already prompted us to adjust our prices for various forest products. While this is a gradual process, it is a crucial step in ensuring that our forest sector is economically viable and can be effectively managed,” he said.
Dr. Mkungula also pointed out that the Ministry is pushing forward with a transparent and consultative approach to reforming the sector.
The conference focused on improving forest plantation performance and their contribution to national economic development
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