Africazine:
Malawi is ramping up efforts to restore its forests with a massive tree nursery initiative.
The Dzalanyama Forest Reserve nursery aims to produce 11 million seedlings for the upcoming National Forestry Season starting in December. Currently, it has the capacity to grow about 2.7 million seedlings per cycle, significantly enhancing local seedling production.
Massive Seedling Production Targets for Malawi
The nursery spans approximately 34 hectares and is a crucial part of Malawi’s strategy to combat forest degradation. Tiaone Hendry, chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Climate Change, emphasized the need for this initiative to replenish the country’s bare hills and mountains. She noted that the degradation of forests has increased, making this effort essential.
Hendry also urged the Ministry of Natural Resources to prepare adequately for the upcoming forestry season, focusing on both the nursery’s size and the distribution of seedlings throughout the country.
Supporting Forest Restoration Across Malawi
Henry Njoloma, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, stated that the nursery aims to produce enough seedlings to support national forest restoration efforts. He highlighted the potential for the nursery to supply seedlings not only to all forests in Malawi but also to the southern African region.
The initiative includes plans to diversify the range of tree species produced, incorporating indigenous varieties to ensure suitability for different areas. Currently, the nursery is cultivating species such as Acacia polyacantha and Faidherbia albida.
Next Steps for the Nursery Initiative
- Production of 11 million seedlings by December.
- Increase the variety of tree species, including indigenous types.
- Introduce agroforestry and fruit tree species in a new section under construction.
Malawi’s ambitious tree nursery project is set to play a vital role in forest restoration efforts.
