National Implementation of Agenda 21
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Information Provided by the Government of Malawi to the
United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development
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This country profile has been provided by:
Name of Ministry/Office: Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs
Date: 4/7/1997
Submitted by: Zipangani M. Vokhiwa, PhD
Mailing address: P.O. Box 30745, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Telephone: (265) 781-111
Telefax: (265) 781-487
E-mail: ZVokhiwa@Unima.wn.apc.org
Note from the Secretariat: An effort has been made to present all country profiles within a common format, with an equal number of pages. However, where Governments have not provided information for the tables appended to Chapters 4 and 17, those tables have been omitted entirely in order to reduce the overall length of the profile and save paper. Consequently, there may be some minor inconsistencies among the formats of the different country profiles.
All statistics are rendered as provided by the respective Governments.
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APELL | Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level |
CFC | chlorofluorocarbon |
CGIAR | Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research |
CILSS | Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel |
EEZ | exclusive economic zone |
ECA | Economic Commission for Africa |
ECE | Economic Commission for Europe |
ECLAC | Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean |
ELCI | Environmental Liaison Centre International |
EMINWA | environmentally sound management of inland water |
ESCAP | Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
ESCWA | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
GATT | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
GAW | Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO) |
GEF | Global Environment Facility |
GEMS | Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP) |
GEMS/WATER | Global Water Quality Monitoring Programme |
GESAMP | Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution |
GIPME | Global Investigation of Pollution in Marine Environment (UNESCO) |
GIS | Geographical Information System |
GLOBE | Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment |
GOS | Global Observing System (WMO/WWW) |
GRID | Global Resource Information Database |
GSP | generalized system of preferences |
HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency |
IAP-WASAD | International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development |
IARC | International Agency for Research on Cancer |
IBSRAM | International Board of Soil Resources and Management |
ICCA | International Council of Chemical Associations |
ICES | International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
ICPIC | International Cleaner Production Information Clearing House |
ICSC | International Civil Service Commission |
ICSU | International Council of Scientific Unions |
IEEA | Integrated environmental and economic accounting |
IFAD | International Fund for Agricultural Development |
IGADD | Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development |
IGBP | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU) |
IGBP/START | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme/Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training |
ILO | International Labour Organisation |
IMF | International Monetary Fund |
IMO | International Maritime Organization |
INFOTERRA | International Environment Information system (UNEP) |
IOC | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
IPCS | International Programme on Chemical Safety |
IPM | integrated pest management |
IRPTC | International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals |
ITC | International Tin Council |
ITTO | International Tropical Timber Organization |
IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
MARPOL | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships |
OECD | Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development |
PGRFA | plant genetic resources for agriculture |
PIC | prior informed consent procedure |
SADCC | South African Development Co-ordination Conference |
SARD | sustainable agriculture and rural development |
UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
UNDRO | Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator |
UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund |
UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization |
UNU | United Nations University |
WCP | World Climate Programme (WMO/UNEP/ICSU/UNESCO) |
WFC | World Food Council |
WHO | World Health Organization |
WMO | World Meteorological Organization |
WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature (also called World Wildlife Fund) |
WWW | World Weather Watch (WMO) |
Following the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992, Malawi embarked on the development of a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) process in September 1992. The NEAP process which was highly participatory involving Civil Society, the private sector and other individuals was finally launched in December, 1994, by the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Hon. Justin Malewezi.
In February 1996, the National Environmental Policy (NEP) was endorsed by Parliament. Another legal instrument which was enacted by Parliament was the Environmental Management Act in June 1996. This act has been in force since August 1996. Along with the spirit of Agenda 21 was the development of Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines for use by prospective developers so that development projects of various sizes are not detrimental to the environment.
Further, an Environmental Education and Communication Strategy has been developed with the main objective of creating public awareness in both formal and non-formal sectors of the country. Under the UNDP Capacity 21 programme, devolution and decentralization of the decision-making process to local communities is underway.
As a signatory to a number of conventions, agreements and protocols under UNCED, Malawi has several national committees put in place to deal with various sectors stipulated in both Agenda 21 and other national development strategies. Amongst the national committees are: the National Biodiversity Committee, the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) National Steering Committee, the Malawi Wetlands National Steering Committee, the Drought and Desertification Steering Committee, the Population and Family Planning Committee, etc. The national committees are composed of members from other line government agencies and stakeholders, NGOs, the private sector and civil society. For example, the Traditional Herbalist Association of Malawi is a member of the National Biodiversity Committee.
Most of the activities dealing with sustainable development in the country are coordinated by the Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs which has been in place since 1994. Prior to that this entity was a Department of Research and Environmental Affairs under the Office of the President and Cabinet.
Currently, a National Committee on the Environment (NCE) has been put in place as the highest advisory wing to the Cabinet with technical advice from the Technical Committee for the Environment (TCE) comprised of Principal Secretaries from various ministries involved in environment and other members from NGOs, the private sector and General Managers of para-statals, with a major mandate for ensuring that the provisions of the Environmental Management Act are fully adhered to.
In the spirit of Rio to integrate economic growth, social development and sustainable environmental management, Malawi launched the Vision 2020 Programme in 1996. This programme aims at making every Malawian look at sustainable development as we head to the year 2020.
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1. Name of Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s).
Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs
Contact point (Name, Title, Office): The Principal Secretary Telephone: (265) 781-111 Fax: (265) 781-487 e-mail: ZVokhiwa@Unima.wn.apc.org Mailing address: Lingazi House, P.O. Box 30745, Lilongwe 3, Malawi, Africa
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson: Chair: National Council on the Environment (NCE) Line ministries, departments, NGOs, private sector
2a. List of ministries and agencies involved: Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock Development: Natural Resources; Economic Development and Planning; Treasury; Justice and Attorney General; Energy and Mining; Local Government and Rural Development; Office of the President and Cabinet; Education, Housing and Physical Planning; Irrigation and Water Development; Transport and Civil Aviation; Customs; Women and Children Affairs, Community and Social Welfare; Health and Population; and Labour.
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participating of academic and private sector bodies: University of Malawi; National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens; Malawi Industrial Research and Technology Development Centre (MIRTDC); The Tobacco Association of Malawi; Agriculture Research and Extension Trust (ARET); The Malawi Investment Promotion Agency (MIPA); Water Boards; Centre for Social Research; The Chamber of Commerce; The Tea Research Association of Malawi.
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations involved: Coordination Unit for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE); AFRI-CARE; Concern Universal; Save the Children; Christian Service Committee (CSC).
3. Mandate role of above mechanism/council: To coordinate all environmental matters in the country to ensure that economic development does not compromise sustainable environmental management.
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between ministries:
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 2: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND RELATED DOMESTIC
POLICIES (with special emphasis on TRADE)
Under these trade measures, issues on export bonus vouchers, a dual
exchange rate system and a common currency has
been put in place to stimulate trade in the region.
In addition, Malawi has adopted a liberal trade and investment
policy to stimulate economic development through
invigorating private sector participation, make domestic products
competitive, diversify trade and generate employment.
International trade fairs have been attended and organised by
Malawi which serve to improve reactions and highlight
products and processes which contribute towards sustainable living
and encourage investment in Malawi in addition to the
promotion of sustainable development through trade liberalization.
However, to date, few domestic policies have been
formulated and put in place which are designed to accelerate
sustainable development through trade. Through various
discussions between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and members
of SADC, COMESA and others participating in
WTO and UNCTAD initiatives, Malawi is expecting to develop
strategies which will integrate trade and environmental
affairs with concrete policy formulation and proposals.
As a member of CITES, the implementation of this Convention in
terms of permit control, involves regulations and
issuing of permits, and the ongoing training of nature conservators
and the staff of general investigations, special
investigations, import and export sections, which enforce the
requirements of the international convention. In order to
fully improve the trade sector and enforce the requirements of the
associated conventions and agreements, Malawi plans to
carry out public awareness campaigns and train its personnel so
that errors are minimized, including monitoring function
at major airports to regulate the in- and outflow of wildlife
products, exports of domestic products and import of capital
goods and products.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Malawi has bilateral and
multilateral trade relations with a number of countries based on
the Most
Favoured Nations Principle, within the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) and the Common Market for
East and Central Africa (COMESA). These trade relations involve
twelve Southern African countries and some of the
Eastern countries.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Environmental concerns are
being looked at in the process of developing and up-dating
integrated national and sectoral policies, plans and programmes.
Malawi is currently chairman of SADC and COMESA
through the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Under Capacity 21
initiatives, every effort is being made to develop decision-making
at the local community level. In order to utilize the labour of the
country, labour intensive technologies with prior
environmental impact assessment are being adopted. There is also a
massive use of renewable resources and training of
personnel in trade and nature conservation.
3. Major Groups: Forestry; National Parks and Wildlife;
Education; Health; Women; Children Affairs and Community
Services; Economic Planning and Development; Energy; Agriculture;
NGOs and the Chamber of Commerce; Local
communities.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Within SADC and
COMESA, Malawi actively participates in trade matters
through the two regional institutions working groups and project
teams. As a chair to COMESA, Malawi is an active
partner within the Southern Africa region.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 3: COMBATING POVERTY
Focus of national strategy
Poverty in Malawi is exceptionally high and is part of the nexus of
high population growth and environmental degradation
leading to low levels of living standards in the country. Poverty
afflicts million of people in Malawi, especially women
and rural dwellers. Large-scale unemployment in the formal sector
of the economy exists.
The key component of the national strategy is the promotion of
medium and small enterprises (MSEs) and informal sector
enterprises; there is a comprehensive policy on medium and small
enterprises developed by the Ministry of Commerce,
which includes comprehensive strategies on development of
infrastructure, entrepreneurship and skills development,
technology support, credit and technical advisory services, market
skills development, credit and resources. All measures
to be linked with appropriate institutional development programmes
to support medium and small enterprises and informal
sector enterprises.
The overall strategy of the government is to increase both economic
growth and investments in priority areas, such as
agriculture, industries and rural infrastructure in particular,
education, health, human resources, especially for women and
youth development, as well as free primary education for girls,
large scale training and credit provisions for employing
women and unemployed youth. Government and NGOs are collaborating
to combat poverty.
Highlight activities aimed at the poor and linkages to the
environment
Main programmes at work are:
1. A Poverty Alleviation Fund has been established in the Office
of the President and Cabinet with the main purpose
for the poor mass to access some financial resources to address
unemployment and save the environment in the
final analysis.
2. The Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF), a World Bank supported
project, aims at providing financial support
to local communities for projects that aim at addressing social and
economic strategies for reduction of poverty
and unemployment.
3. Different ministries, departments and NGOs have their own
programmes which help to increase employment
opportunities for income generation.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Poverty reduction is a national
priority
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Ministries, departments, NGOs
and the private sector are all part of the process to
eradicate poverty in Malawi. Decision-making structures for poverty
alleviation and environmental improvements includes
highest political commitments at both ministerial and local
government level.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Capacities of the
government organizations, NGOs and the local communities
have to be developed and enhanced. Public awareness through formal
and non-formal means will be useful in this respect.
Programmes on capacity-building for nutrition workers, extension
workers, women and youth are in place.
3. Major Groups: Major groups receiving assistance in this
sector are local communities and the unemployed, marginal
farmers, the rural and urban poor, unemployed youth and other
vulnerable groups.
4. Finance: The government finances poverty alleviation
programmes through its development budget, and a little bit
from revenue. The NGOs, the private sector and other interested
groups have their own resources for addressing poverty
alleviation in the country.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi participates
in all regional and international fora dealing with poverty
alleviation with the hope that from this participation, programmes
and infrastructure can be developed to provide job
opportunities and other economic benefits to the country and its
neighbours.
Latest 199_ | |||||
Unemployment (%) | |||||
Population living in absolute poverty | |||||
Public spending on social sector % | |||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 4: CHANGING CONSUMPTION
PATTERNS
National policy objectives/focus
No policy has been drafted yet, although a number of sub-committees
are in place in various sectors of the government
and in NGO sectors to address the issue of consumption patterns in
the country.
Although consumers in Malawi may seem not to be aware of their
environment or ways in which sustainability could be
achieved, it is the nexus of poverty, high population growth,
environmental degradation and the concomitant lack of
alternatives that the Malawian has difficulty in addressing
sustainable consumption patterns. However, efforts have been
made and are being put in place to monitor consumption of energy,
food security, the use of appropriate technologies for
energy and production, and to modernize traditional industries. An
NGO, the Consumer Association of Malawi, has been
established to monitor consumption patterns in the country with
support of the government.
National targets
The Ministry of Energy and Mining, the Malawi Industrial Research
and Technical Centre and other associated
organizations have been mandated to work expeditiously in the area
of energy for the masses in the country which should
include the use of biogas, solar energy, multi-fuel oven using
sawdust wood, mai-bawo (an energy-saving stove) and
probably establish and monitor eco-labelling through the mandate of
the Malawi Bureau of Standards and the Consumer
Association of Malawi.
Of major importance could be the establishment of kerosene oil
depots in places where regular energy supply for people
can be ensured without harming the forests. This initiative will
have to go side by side with mass production of kerosene
stoves throughout the country.
Mass public awareness campaigns in this area will be Malawi's
strategy.
Legislation needs to be established to control and encourage
consumers regarding the use of alternative energy sources
which do not contribute to deforestation and production of
greenhouse gases as it is the case at the moment. Workshops,
committees, media coverage, waste recycling and waste re-use
initiatives are just beginning to be understood by the
masses.
Appropriate technologies including cleaner production technology
through capacity building will serve to reduce the use of
non-renewable resources, reduce the consumption of environmentally
sensitive materials and reduce emissions and waste.
Public awareness campaigns are to be beefed up together with some
suggestions for alternatives. The Ministries of Energy
and Mining, Trade and Industry, Local Government, Economic Planning
and Development, Women and Children Affairs,
Research and Environmental Affairs, the Malawi Bureau of Standards
and the Consumer Association of Malawi are
working hand in hand in these initiatives to move towards "green
consumerism".
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Energy and
Mining, Trade and Industry, Forestry and Natural
Resources, Economic Planning and Development, Women and Children
Affairs, Research and Environmental Affairs, the
Malawi Bureau of Standards and the Consumer Association of Malawi
need to constantly meet and then develop a national
strategy and the associated legislation. The Malawi Industrial
Research and Technology Development Centre (MIRTDC)
has to be a full partner.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Capacity building
takes part through pilot projects in the use of cleaner
alternative technologies in production, formal and non-formal
training and study tours around the region.
Public awareness campaigns have been carried out with the Malawi
Bureau of Standards and the Consumer Association of
Malawi to inform the public about what needs to be done in this
area. The Ministries of Energy, Trade and Industry need
to be on the forefront.
3. Major Groups: Major target groups are industries and
households. Contributors in this initiative include the
Government, para-statals, NGOs, donor agencies and the local
communities.
4. Finance: Funding for alternative energy programmes has
been mostly from donor agencies. Government contribution
has been in kind. THe Government contribution has to be increased
if sustainability is to be achieved in this area.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: On energy, there are
initiatives through the GEF and UNDP to establish an
Energy Centre in Malawi. Malawi belongs to other energy and
consumption patterns fora within SADC and other
international organisations.
Latest 199_ | |||||
GDP per capita (current US$) | |||||
Real GDP growth (%) | |||||
Annual energy consumption per capita (Kg. of oil equivalent per capita) | |||||
Motor vehicles in use per 1000 inhabitants | |||||
Other data
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Government policies affecting consumption and production.
1. Goals and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with a (X) those agents which your Governments policies are meant most to influence.
Agents Goals | |||||
Material efficiency | |||||
Energy efficiency: | |||||
Transport | |||||
Housing | |||||
Other | |||||
Waste: | |||||
Reduce | |||||
Reuse | |||||
Recycle |
Comments:
2. Means & Measures and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with an (R) those agents who assume primary responsibility for any of the policy measures indicated; indicate with an (I) the agents for which the impact is expected to be especially significant.
Agents Means & Measures | |||||
Improving understanding and analysis | |||||
Information and education (e.g., radio/TV/press) | |||||
Research | |||||
Evaluating environmental claims | |||||
Form partnerships | |||||
Applying tools for modifying behaviour | |||||
Community based strategies | |||||
Social incentives/disincentives (e.g., ecolabelling) | |||||
Regulatory instruments | |||||
Economic incentives/disincentives | |||||
Voluntary agreements of producer responsibility for
aspects of product life cycle | |||||
Provision of enabling facilities and infrastructure (e.g., transportation alternatives, recycling) | |||||
Procurement policy | |||||
Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing performance | |||||
Action campaign | |||||
Other (specify) |
Comments:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 5: DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND
SUSTAINABILITY
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high | ||||
STATUS REPORT: Population growth and
fertility level are too high in the Government's view, and
interventions are
used to lower the rates to be compatible with the attainment of
social and economic goals.
(a) Malawi adopted an explicit and comprehensive National
Population Policy in March 1994. It is an integrated part of
the country's social and economic development plan. The strategies
for implementing the policy include the following
areas:
(b) Development of Policy and Plan of Action for Women under the NPP. A coordinated action plan for the implementation of the policy has been formulated and finalised in 1996.
(c) An appropriate infrastructure for the implementation of the population programme is in place, made up of the Population and Human Resources Development Unit (PHRDU), the Demographic Training Unit in the University of Malawi, the National Family Welfare Council of Malawi and a number of line ministries, department agencies, and NGOs. However, these efforts have suffered from limited institutional capacity at various levels.
(d) There is an increased provision of family planning services through an increased budget for population activities in the 1996/97 financial year.
(e) The country is mounting a mass awareness campaign on
population, development and poverty amongst
parliamentarians and Cabinet Ministers, Principal Secretaries,
chief executives and communities:
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1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
Latest 199_ | ||||
Population (Thousands) mid-year estimates | ||||
Annual rate of increase (1990-1993) | ||||
Surface area (Km2) | ||||
Population density (people/Km2) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 6: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
HUMAN HEALTH
(a) A National Health Policy which emphasises among other
approaches the strengthening of preventive and
promotive Maternal and Child Health Services, and the management of
common illnesses through the
strengthening of special disease control programmes was in place in
1995.
(b) A Safe Motherhood Initiative (SMI) was launched in October
1996. The SMI's goal is to reduce the high
maternal mortality rate in the country by providing circumstances
under which child-bearing women have a
choice as to when they want to become pregnant, and when they do
become pregnant, have access to trained
antenatal and essential obstetric care.
(c) An "African 2000" Water and Sanitation Initiative was launched
in October 1996. Its aim is to provide safe water
and sound sanitation practices to unserved communities in
Malawi.
(d) There has been a decentralisation of services to strengthen
the quality and quantity of health care at the peripheral
level through the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach continues.
(e) Efforts to effectively balance the financial allocation
between curative and preventive health care are under
serious discussion.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High, aiming to raise
the level of health of all Malawians through the prevention and
control of common illnesses
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure:
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups:
4. Finance: Ministry of Health and Population, UNFPA, WHO,
World Bank, UNICEF, European Union, ODA, FFW,
JICA, GTZ, USAID, International Association for Community Health,
regional health organisations and other NGOs.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: See under
FINANCE.
- Controller of preventive health services,
- section heads on preventive health,
- regional structures on preventive health.
- Off-shore training of programme managers and other staff,
- workshops and seminars,
- in-country training courses for specialists.
- Ministry of Health and Population,
- Christian Hospital Association of Malawi Units,
- NGOs,
- community support groups.
Life expectancy at birth Male Female | 51.7 51.0 52.4 | |||
Infant mortality (per 1000 live births) | 134 | |||
Maternal mortality rate (per 100000 live births) | 620 | |||
Access to safe drinking water (% of population) | U: 87 R: 57 | |||
Access to sanitation services (% of population) | U: 67 R: 51 | |||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 7: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT
Urban Land Market:
Housing Finance:
Finance for infrastructure:
Construction industry
Rural Housing:
Community Participation:
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT:
- Malawi created the Ministry of Housing.
- In May 1996, Malawi compiled the "Urban and Housing Indicators
for Malawi Cities".
- In May 1996, Malawi developed the National Plan of Action for
the Period 1996-2000. The programmes in this
plan bear directly on poverty alleviation as they seek to give
security of land tenure to the poor, to promote
income generating activities, to broaden access to affordable
housing finances and to support the delivery of
integrated infrastructure services.
- The Ministry of Housing is formulating a National Housing
Policy. The Government wants to move away from
being a provider of shelter and related services, but continuing to
provide an enabling environment. The
Government is currently encouraging home ownership.
- Creation of dynamic, efficient and equitable urban land
markets.
- Improving access to land by low income households and
vulnerable groups.
- Improving competition in the conventional housing finance
market.
- Improving access to housing finance for low and medium income
groups.
- Create a viable financial base for the local authorities.
- Improve cost recovery for new infrastructure.
- Encourage participation in infrastructure provision by private
development.
- Build the capacity of small contractors.
- Expand the supply and use of alternative local building
materials.
- Improve the quality of rural housing,
- Improve the performance of the rural housing programme.
- ensure the sustainability of housing programmes,
- promote leadership capacities within communities.
1. Decision-Making Structure:
The Ministry of Housing is in charge of policy and coordination of
housing issues.
The Ministry of Lands and Valuation is in charge for land policy
and land allocation.
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Surveys is in charge of
enforcing planning standards.
Local authorities are in charge of the provision of human
settlements related issues.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
The focus is on the Ministries of Housing, Lands and Valuation,
Research and Environmental Affairs, Physical Planning
and Surveys, local authorities, local contractors, NGOs involved in
human settlements development and communities.
3. Major Groups:
The Ministries of Housing, Lands and Valuation, Physical Planning,
Research and Environmental Affairs, building
sections (work and supply), the Malawi Housing Corporation, Habitat
for Humanity, Christian Services Committee, New
Building Society, Maone Parks, Malawi Development Corporation,
individuals and donor community.
4. Finance: There is still lack of competition on the
mortgage market. Hence, access to housing finance by low and
medium income groups is almost non-existent. Finance for
infrastructure is almost not available.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi is a member
of Shelter-Afrique and the African Housing Fund. Malawi
also benefits from the World Bank and other UN bodies like UNDP,
UNCDF, UNICEF. There is also bilateral
cooperation with countries such as Japan, USA, UK, Germany among
others.
Urban population in % of total population | 11 | 13 | |
Annual rate of growth of urban population (%) | 7 (1987) | 6.7 | |
Largest city population (in % of total population) | 4.17 (1987) | 6.36 | |
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 8: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING
Currently, the above principles are used in the development of
projects for the Public Sector Investment Programme
(PSIP). Specifically programmes and projects are screened to see
their impact on poverty alleviation; environmental
impacts are also taken into account in project appraisals.
The national strategy focuses on influencing the interaction
between the population and the nation's natural resources. This
is reflected in the distribution of investment in economic, social
and infrastructural activities, the achievement of rapid and
sustainable economic growth and development, and reduction in the
instability of welfare for both the individual and the
whole nation.
In order to achieve these three objectives, focus will be on
increasing the productivity of the natural resource base which
includes land, forests, minerals, fish, tourism and natural
environment. However, this will only be able to reverse income
and employment to a small proportion of the population; hence some
of the balance will have to be taken up by provision
of economic, social and administrative services in the public
sector. Thus public sector investment through PSIP will have
to play a key role in the achievement of development.
The PSIP, apart from providing a framework for planning and
scheduling of investment projects in line with long-term
sustainable development goals and objectives, serves as an
instrument for integrating poverty alleviation strategies into
macro economic policies. The achievement of the goals is through
the focusing of policies, programmes and projects to
reflect positive impacts on the population, especially through
sustainable utilisation of their natural resources base.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT: The National Council for the
Environment (NCE) has been established through the Environmental
Management Act to recommend to the Cabinet, through the Minister of
Research and Environmental Affairs, measures
necessary for the integration of environmental considerations into
all aspects of economic planning and development,
taking into consideration that harmonisation exists between
activities, plans and policies with the protection and
management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable
utilization of natural resources to promote and
coordinate the implementation of sustainable development in
accordance with Agenda 21.
1. Decision-Making Structure (please also refer to the fact
sheet): There is a 10-year planning document (1987-1996)
which stipulates the direction of development and priority areas.
This document is then translated into medium term
policies and plans which is further disaggregated into PSIP and a
poverty framework paper at the macro level and then
into development to ensure that sectoral policies, programmes and
projects complement each other and minimize policy
conflict.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Building capacity
for economic planning and development to carry out its
responsibility efficiently and effectively is crucial and as such
capacity building had to be a continuous process. Otherwise,
problems of lack of capacity will crop up. This capacity has to be
for policy analysis to see the impact of one sectoral
policy on the rest of the policies in addition to the overall
sectoral policies in the national development goals and
objectives. To achieve these objectives of being able to carry out
a crucial policy analysis, there is a need to have a well
developed data base with a good monitoring system. To this effect
the poverty alleviation programme has launched a
poverty monitoring system which is hoped to provide the necessary
data base and also signals as to where policy is lagging
behind.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: A good policy analysis requires careful
research for the realities apart from availability of data. To this
end,
financial resources are very critical if both sustainable poverty
alleviation and environmental concerns are to be integrated
into the overall development goals and objectives. Currently,
because of financial constraints, less than optimal analysis is
being carried out, but there is room for more work and efforts in
order to achieve sustainable development.
The management of the country's economy through the integration of
environment and development in decision-making is
undertaken by the Government through its own budget and development
funds utilizing a number of statutory controls and
quasi-public institutions such as the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
Although there are a number of controls on private sector
investment, foreign trade, business location, retail pricing and
employee wages and working conditions, the current trend
in the democratic Malawi is to liberalize trade and investment to
curb poverty and unemployment. The overall objective is
to continue to stimulate balanced economic activities, protect
consumers and employees and most of all promote
sustainable development.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 9: PROTECTION OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
The Montreal Protocol was acceded to in 1991, the London and the
Copenhagen Amendments were ratified in 1994.
The latest report to the Montreal Protocol Secretariat was
submitted in December 1996.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was
signed in 1992 and ratified in 1994. The latest
report to the UNFCCC Secretariat was submitted in 1996.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
In accordance with the requirements of the UNFCCC, Malawi is
conducting a Climate Change Country Study which
consists of three areas:
(a) a greenhouse gas inventory,
The greenhouse gas inventory was produced in October 1996. The
V&A study is still underway. A preliminary report was
produced in September 1996 and is undergoing peer review.
Malawi is also an active member of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) and participated actively at
COP meetings and sessions of its subsidiary bodies.
In respect of the Montreal Protocol, the Meteorological Department
operates a Background Air Pollution Monitoring
Station at Lilongwe Airport where atmospheric turbidity and
chemical composition of rainwater are monitored.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
(b) vulnerability and adaptation studies (V&A),
(c) a study on mitigation greenhouse gases concentrations.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Ministries of Research and
Environmental Affairs, Transport and Civil Aviation, Natural
Resources, Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs (MOREA) is the
coordinating ministry (executive agency) to whom
two line agencies, the Meteorological Department and the Department
of national Parks and Wildlife, report as lead
institutions.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The focus is on
training and developing institutional linages between Malawi,
EPA, USA and the Early Warning Weather Station in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The Climate Change Country Study Project has
capacity-building and technology-transfer components.Several
regional and international training workshops, in which
Malawi participated, have been conducted. The country has also
benefited from the use of the IPCC in compiling its
national greenhouse inventory.
3. Major Groups: Farmers, communities, industry, motorists
and city councils.
4. Finance: The US Government is funding the climate change
country studies through the EPA. UNDP intends to fund
remaining activities of the studies, such as mitigation, under the
umbrella "enabling activities".
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi works with
the Early Warning Weather System in Harare, Zimbabwe,
and with EPA in the USA. Through regional and international
workshops there is an exchange of data and information
among countries participating in country study projects.
Latest 199- | ||||
CO2 emissions (eq. million tons) | 20.5 | |||
SOx " | N/A | |||
NOx " | 0.029 | |||
CH4 " | 0.34 | |||
CO emissions " | 0.93 | |||
NO emissions " | 0.35 | |||
CO removals (sinks) " | 1.30 | |||
Consumption of ozone depleting substances (Tons) | 220 | 200 | ||
Expenditure on air pollution abatement in US$ equivalents (million) | N/A | |||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 10: INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND
RESOURCES
Related policies:
The Government has established the Presidential Land Commission to
look into matters related to land tenure as it affects
rural and urban communities, the large estate sector, and finally
at linkages and synergies of land matters in relation to the
promotion of initiatives for sustainable development, taking into
account the social, economic and sustainable
environmental management in the country.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very, very high
STATUS REPORT:
- Controlling soil erosion and land degradation
- Pilot agro-forestry programme for poverty alleviation, funded
by the European Union
- Addressing soil erosion with agro-forestry interventions in
Blantyre, Salima, Lilongwe, Liwonde, Shire Valley
- Development of land use policy by the Ministry of Agriculture
and Livestock Development has been completed
and is ready to be implemented at various levels.
- Forestry Policy
- Water Resources Policy
- Land use utilization and catchment protection
- Rehabilitation and reclamation of degraded lands
1. Decision-Making Structure:
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups:
4. Finance:
5. Regional/International Cooperation:
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 11: COMBATING
DEFORESTATION
The 5th country programme was redirected towards natural resources
management. Modules were funded by FAO,
UNDP and the Government of Malawi, including:
Promotion of community forestry management is an important
component of the strategy to combat degradation of natural
woodland by those who rely on fuelwood for energy. Education and
training are now being used to sensitize people on
afforestation.
A Malawi Forestry Policy has been carried out, and the Forestry Act
is now under review. Malawi has signed and ratified
the Convention to Combat Desertification in June 1996, making it a
priority to combat desertification and drought in the
country.
Way Forward:
Linking the Forestry Policy with national water and energy
policies and other sectoral policies and initiatives.
Promotion of tree planting and agro-forestry under the
co-management policy.
Other attempts - production of softwood charcoal from Chikangawa
and Mulanje. This met with mixed success.
Enforcement of policies and strategies through local community
participation and decision-making is what all line
agencies and stakeholders plan to do at premise.
Other interventions:
energy in the country, focusing on renewables through the
establishment of a Council, a Technical Committee, a
Knowledge Centre and an Energy Secretariat. Leveraged additional
resources towards the implementation of the
components of the project include the World Bank, Danida, the
Commonwealth Secretariat, NORAD, UNITAR,
UNESCO, UNICEF, SADC/FINESSE.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very, very high
STATUS REPORT: The Forestry Department changed
its policy to manage forests in cooperation with communities.
This is being emphasized in both forest reserves and forests on
customary land. Under a wood energy project in the urban
areas of Blantyre, Zomba and Lilongwe, 278 tree nurseries were
established. Seedlings were sold to farmers at subsidised
rates. There is now a policy change, whereby communities and NGOs
produce their own seedlings for forest plantation
establishment.
- learning by earning,
- a tree for every child,
- energy efficient stoves,
- food for work (reforestation funded by WFP).
- Rural electrification programme under the Ministry of Energy and
Mining as a social service.
- Use of biogas technology being promoted by the Malawi Industrial
Research Technology and Development Centre.
- Use of maiabo-stoves for energy efficiency promoted by the Malawi
Industrial Research Technology and Development
Centre.
- Under the energy programme of UNDP, Malawi has developed and
submitted a project proposal under the National
Sustainable and Renewable Energy Programme to GEF, which aims at
enhancing the sustainable use of and access to
1. Decision-Making Structure: Ministries of Natural
Resources, Energy and Mining, Women, Children Affairs and
Social Welfare, Local Government and Rural Development, MIRTOC, the
Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi
(ESCOM), NGOs and the private sector.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Funding by UNDP,
UNHCR and the Government of Malawi for training
forestry staff on the new forestry act and new forestry policy.
The Ministry of Energy and Mining has undertaken surveys in:
3. Major Groups: Local communities, NGOs, para-statals and
the private sector.
4. Finance: USAID, ODA, UNDP, GEF, NORAD, DANIDA, UNESCO,
UNITAR, Commonwealth Secretariat, the
World Bank, SADC/FINESSE.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: See under
FINANCE.
- biomass and marketing,
- urban energy consumption.
These surveys will provide baseline data on how much
firewood/charcoal is being consumed mainly in the major urban
areas.
Latest 199- | ||||
Forest Area (Km2) | ||||
Protected forest area | ||||
Roundwood production (solid volume of roundwood without bark in mill m3) | ||||
Deforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
Reforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 12: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND
DROUGHT
The International Convention to Combat Desertification in
Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification
Particularly in Africa was signed in 1995 and ratified in
1996.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
The Department of Forestry in the Ministry of Natural Resources is
the chair of the National Desertification Steering
Committee, while the Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs
is the secretariat. The National Committee is
comprised of all relevant sectors both from government and the
private sector whose activities contribute to desertification
in one way or the other.
Related activities:
Livestock Development
Malawi has yet to produce an umbrella project to combat
desertification after ratifying the Desertification Convention in
June, 1996. This will include finalization of the National Action
Plan (NAP) which is being developed with UNDP.
NGOs got involved actively under the WFP for projects from 1993 to
1995.
Other strategies include water harvesting techniques and
programmes by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
Development.
The Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development has been mandated
to look into ways and means to develop
programmes which aim at water harvesting during the rainy season.
Development of irrigation schemes for small-
scale, medium and large-scale farmers is Government's priority
number one utilizing the water bodies of Lakes
Malawi, Chilwa, Chiuta, Malombe and the Shire River water
systems.
To implement the Convention, the following is planned to take
place soon:
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT:
- Disaster Management Act of 1991
- Disaster Management Plan (Strategy), draft produced in 1991
- Small Scale Irrigation Draft Policy, 1996
- Establishment of a drought early warning system in 1991 with the
Ministry of Water and Irrigation as the lead agency
- South African Development Countries Food Security Early Warning
Unit under the Ministry of Agriculture and
- Famine Early Warning System under agro-economic survey of the
Ministry of Economic Planning and Development
- a national workshop to formulate a strategy for
awareness-raising.
- develop a National Action Plan (NAP) White Paper where
strategies and actions including project ideas will be
developed.
- create an institutional basis for planning and implementing
the NAP and to build capacity within this basis.
- raise awareness of the relevant actors and affected groups
at local community level, regional and national
levels including all decision-makers in line agencies, NGOs, the
private sector and other interested individuals
and affected groups.
- Develop ways and means through the Environmental Management
Act, the National Environmental Policy,
the National Water Policy, the Forestry Act, the National Rural
Development Plan to develop an integrated
community forestry, rehabilitation and reclamation of river basins
and catchment areas to reduce pressure on
natural woodlands, revamp the water catchment areas and river
basins respectively.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Economic
Planning and Development, the Secretary to the Treasury, the
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Office of
the President and Cabinet, the Ministry of Irrigation
and Water Development, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural
Development, the Sugar Corporation of Malawi
(SUCOMA), the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (ESCOM), the
Water Boards in Malawi, the Ministry of
Physical Planning, the Ministry of Research and Development, the
Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA) and the
Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET) strengthen the
National Desertification and Drought Steering
Committee.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Developing capacity
and institutional mechanisms to develop a comprehensive
and practical National Action Plan through local community
participation and decision-making processes utilizing other
avenues such as the Capacity 21 initiative, at national, regional
and local levels.
The Government has attended INC and follow-up Convention meetings
including SADC initiatives and relevant annual
committee meetings.
3. Major Groups: NGOs such as the Coordination Unit for the
Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE), the private
sector (Malawi Investment Promotion Agency: MIPA), the Tobacco
Association of Malawi (TAMA), the Agricultural
Research and Extension Trust (ARET), the Teas Research Council of
Malawi (TRC), local government, the Forestry
Department (as chair), the Ministry of Research and Environmental
Affairs (Secretariat), the Land Resources and
Conservation Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
Development, SDC, and the Malawi Industrial Research
and Technology Development Centre (MIRTDC).
4. Finance: Reclamation and rehabilitation work financed by
the SADC Environment and Land Management Sector, the
Government revenue and development budget, NGOs and CBOs. The
Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs is
currently negotiating with the CCD Secretariat and UNSO through
UNDP to procure funds for the development of the
NAP, an audit strategy and for the national awareness-raising
workshop and campaigns.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi is a member
of SADC. SADC is currently busy formulating a sub-regional action
programme to combat drought and desertification. As a party to the
CCD, Malawi stands within the aegis
to the Convention to develop forestry, land, rehabilitation and
restoration initiatives to address the CCD commitments
through training courses, exchange of information and advice and
afforestation/agro-forestry initiatives within the region
and internationally.
Latest 199_ | ||||
Land affected by desertification (Km2) | ||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 13: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
Park establishment for conservation of catchment areas of major
rivers, which support hydro electric power production
and irrigation.
Initiatives carried out since 1992 with GTZ support:
Conservation of Mount Mulanje with community involvement.
Conservation of endangered species found in Mount
Mulanje with assistance from the Overseas Development Agency. GEF
has provided Malawi with US$ 300,000 to enable
the establishment of the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust
(MMCT).
Rehabilitation of deforested hills and mountains in rural and
urban areas.
Management of the mid-Shire River aiming at reducing soil erosion
within the catchment area.
Conservation framework for the land management of open areas.
The National Water Development Project aiming at sustainable
management of water resources which mitigates
environmental degradation through integrated management of
mountain, forest and river ecosystems.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT: Fragile mountain catchment
ecosystems are considered sensitive areas in the Environmental
Management Act. They are major water catchment areas with
indigenous forests, commercial forests used for recreation,
nature conservation, agriculture and other communal land uses. Most
of these areas are threatened and require urgent
action to save them from further degradation. Some initiatives
are:
- Malawi-German Bee Keeping Project for placement of hives in
the park for honey which is collected by local
communities in the area.
- Improvement of transit infrastructure e.g. roads and housing
and training of staff in tourism.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Ministry of Irrigation and
Water Development, Department of National Parks and
Wildlife, Bee Keepers Association of Malawi, local communities,
Ministry of Natural Resources / Department of
Forestry, Ministry Research and Environmental Affairs (National
Council on the Environment), Ministry of Local
Government and Rural Development, NGOs, donor agencies,
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Staff development
through research, training and dissemination of
information; infrastructure development; strategies for mountain
conservation evolvement; training of bee keepers.
3. Major Groups: Local community, NGOs, CBOs and
para-statals.
4. Finance: GTZ (Bee Keeping Association, since 1992),
GEF/World Bank (Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust,
since 1997), ODA (Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, 1995), UN
(Rural Water Supply and Sanitation in Malawi ?
Sustainability through Community Based Management 1994-2010), UNDP
(National Sustainable and Renewable Energy
Programme, 1997-2001).
The Government through its revenue budget supports some of the
sustainable mountain development initiatives.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi, as a SADC
member, operates within the regional structures of this
organisation. Bilateral cooperation with other neighbours,
Mozambique and Zambia, deals with border mountain
ecosystems and areas.
Malawi is an active member of the Convention on Biological
Diversity, the Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance especially as Waterfowl habitat, the Convention on
Migrating Species, the IUCN, CITES, the Convention to
Combat Desertification and Drought and the Climate Change
Convention. As such, all stipulations of these Conventions
which affect the sustainable management of fragile ecosystems and
sustainable mountain development are considered in
linkages at various national committees and as appropriate.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 14: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
- mitigation of drought,
- promotion of drought tolerant crops,
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT: A National Environment Policy and
an Environmental Management Act were developed in 1996. A
White Paper for Agriculture was developed during 1995/96 addressing
production, marketing, sustainable utilization of
natural resources, financing, institutional infrastructure,
information and agricultural technology, research, extension and
training in line with sustainable development and environmental
management. Strategies include:
- liberation of micro agriculture, crops,
- rural based development projects; the Malawi Social Action
Fund,
- liberation and marketing of agricultural inputs, e.g.
fertilizers,
- establishment of a rural finance company for small scale business
projects,
- strong increase in NGO activities in rural departments,
- introduction of small-scale irrigation schemes managed by
communities,
- integrated approach in natural resources and environmental
management by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and
the Wildlife Society of Malawi,
- land resource conservation through agro-forestry, erosion control
and afforestation and other conservation practices,
- job creation.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Ministry of Lands and
Valuation, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development,
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of
Physical Planning, Agricultural Research and
Extension Trust (ARET), NGOs, Tea Growers Association of Malawi,
Sugar Association of Malawi, Agriculture Policy
Research Unit, the National Seed Company of Malawi.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups: Para-statals (Agricultural Development and
Marketing Corporation, ADMAC), farmers, local
communities, universities, NGOs.
4. Finance:
5. Regional/International Cooperation: SADC (Food and
Natural Resources Sector, Environment and Land
Management Sector), SACCAR, Gene Bank, Regional Early Warning
System for Food Security.
International cooperation with multilateral organisations such as
FAO, the World Bank, UNDP, IFAD, and between
Malawi and the USA takes place at various levels.
- training at various levels for local communities, extension
workers and decision-makers
- promotion of rope and washer pump for small scale irrigation
- promoting use of shadoof for small scale irrigation
- credit management schemes
- Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMAC)
- Malawi Social Action Fund
- Rural Finance Company
- Finance Company of Malawi (FINCO)
- Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA)
- Sugar Corporation of Malawi (SUCOMA)
- Coffee Authority of Malawi
- Smallholder Tea Association of Malawi
Latest 199_ | ||||
Agricultural land (Km2) | ||||
Agricultural land as % of total land area | 85 | |||
Agricultural land per capita | < 1.0 ha | |||
Latest 199_ | ||||
Consumption of fertilizers per Km2 of agricultural land as of 1990 | substantial | |||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 15: CONSERVATION OF
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The Convention on Biological Diversity was signed in 1992 and
ratified in 1994. A report will be submitted in
January 1998.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora was acceded to in 1982.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
The National Parks and Wildlife Act was passed in 1992. It
encourages community participation in the management of
national parks. Communities also benefit from it.
Botanical gardens have been established in the cities.
A National Biological Diversity Committee was formed to oversee the
work of other biodiversity sub-committees such as
the Genetic Resources, Biosafety and Biotechnology Committee,
and
the Lower Shire Wetlands Project (Zambezi Basin Wetland
Conservation and Resource Utilisation Project) was set up.
Currently, Malawi is conducting the National Biodiversity Strategy
and Action Plan (NBSAP) with financial support of
GEF through UNEP. Eight components covering eight areas of
biological resources and the associated literature and legal
requirements are being investigated by local Malawi consultants
with full consultation with UNEP headquarters in
Nairobi, Kenya.
Due to its active participation in the Convention negotiations
before the Rio Summit, Malawi was the first chair of the
Subsidiary Body on Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) in
1995/96. The SBSTTA chairmanship was handed
over to Norway at the second SBSTTA meeting in Montreal, Canada in
September 1996.
As a full party, Malawi has attended COP 1, 2 and 3 and has
maintained its active role in CBD matters. A sub-committee
has been put in place to deal with issues on clearing house
mechanisms. Next step through the NBSAP is to conduct a
national biodiversity awareness workshop in July, 1997, where the
public and stakeholders will be informed and briefed
on what the National Biodiversity Committee is doing as it prepares
for the first National Report, due in January 1998.
The issue of incentive measures and the full participation of women
and local communities on issues of biological diversity
including the integration of sectoral policies and legislation is
what the country plans to put in place.
Malawi fully participates in CITES matters as a full member.
However, public awareness on this convention has not been
raised. The country needs to educate and inform the general Malawi
public regarding the importance of this Convention
and what it means to the common man in general.
As a RAMSAR member, efforts are also underway to let the general
public know what this Convention means to the
wetlands of the country. Lake Chilwa was designated as a RAMSAR
site in 1996.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: National Herbarium Steering
Committee for National Biological Conservation and
Natural Wetland Conservation Committee; Ministry of Research and
Environmental Affairs; Department of National
Parks and Wildlife; Ministry of Natural Resources; the Malawi
National Biodiversity Committee.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups: Local communities.
4. Finance: GEF through UNEP, World Bank and UNDP.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Regional and
international mechanisms; Southern African Development
Community Coordination on Biological Conservation; SACIM; Pan
African Association of Zoological Gardens; Aquaria
and Botanical Gardens; WWF; RAMSAR; IUCN - Regional Office for
Southern Africa.
Malawi is a member of the Southern Africa (SABONET) Project dealing
with botanical diversity in the region.
- raising public awareness of communities and decision-makers on
the importance of biodiversity,
- protected areas conservation strategies,
- training of taxonomists to deal with agro-biodiversity,
- training of experts in other biodiversity areas.
Latest 199_ | |||
Protected area as % of total land area | |||
Latest 199_ | |||
Number of threatened species | |||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 16: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(a) increasing availability of food, feed and renewable raw
materials,
(b) improving human health,
(c) enhancing the protection of the environment,
(d) enhancing safety and developing international mechanisms for
cooperation,
(e) establishing enabling mechanisms for the development and the
environmentally sound application of biotechnology.
Malawi has in place a National Biosafety and Biotechnology
Committee chaired by the Biology Department of the
University of Malawi. This committee is under the ambit of the
National Biodiversity Committee and the National
Research Council of Malawi.
Members of the National Committee are drawn from the government
line agencies, the university, NGOs, the private
sector, the Malawi Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Research
and Environmental Affairs.
The mandate of the Committee is to look at the 5 stipulations
mentioned above, to look into the safe use and handling of
genetically modified organisms, put into effect the UNEP Guidelines
of Biosafety and the development, monitoring and
evaluation of other biotechnology initiatives in the country
including safe disposal of pharmaceutical wastes according to
UNICEF standards and appropriate technology.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT: Some work has been done in
investment in modern biotechnology such as use of biogas as a
renewable energy source. However, a lot needs to be done in order
to stipulate:
1. Decision-Making Structure:
National Research Council of Malawi
Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs (NCE/TCE)
Malawi Industrial Research Technology and Development Centre
Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Committee
University of Malawi
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
Malawi Bureau of Standards
National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Human resource
training, laboratory construction for tissue cultures,
mushroom culture at Bvumbwe, Chancellor College and private
entrepreneurs.
3. Major Groups:
4. Finance: Public donor and private funding contribute to
the current biotechnology initiatives in Malawi.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi participates
in all sub-regional, regional and international cooperative
policy development and capacity-building ventures. Malawi attends
meetings at the regional biosafety and biotechnology
centre based in Harare and other SADC centres. Attendance of the
biosafety and biotechnology meetings organized by the
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cairo,
Madrid, Aarhus and Ethiopia was also done.
National Research Council of Malawi
Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Committee
University of Malawi
Malawi Bureau of Standards
National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 17: PROTECTION OF THE
OCEANS, ALL KINDS OF SEAS, INCLUDING ENCLOSED
AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS, AND COASTAL AREAS AND THE PROTECTION,
RATIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LIVING RESOURCES
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea was signed in
1984.
Not applicable.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Not applicable
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Not applicable.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Not applicable.
3. Major Groups: Not applicable.
4. Finance: Not applicable.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Not applicable.
Latest 199- | ||||
Catches of marine species (metric tons) | ||||
Population in coastal areas | ||||
Population served by waste water treatment (% of
country's total population) | ||||
Discharges of oil into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
Releases of phosphate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
Releases of nitrate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 18: PROTECTION OF THE
QUALITY AND SUPPLY OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES:
APPLICATION OF INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES
Areas receiving attention in policy and strategy formulation are
(1) Integrated Water Resources Development and
Management which will involve integrated catchment management thus
developing water resources and managing water in
harmony with other natural resources taking into account the
interactions among water and social and economic
development; (2) protection of water resources, water resources and
aquatic resources; (3) drinking water supply and
sanitation, (4) water and sustainable urban development; (5) water
for sustainable food production and rural development
and (6) impacts of climate change on water resources.
A large part of the Malawi population does not have access to an
adequate supply with potable water and many do lack
basic sanitation. Within the National Water Development Policy, it
is the government's commitment to bring on board
communities, water boards, local authorities, the private sector,
NGOs and government line agencies in the areas of
forestry, agriculture, national parks and local governments to
address the issue of integrated management of water
resources and drinking water supply and sanitation in the country
with full community participation.
National Water Development Project for upgrading the management of
water resources and provision of water related
services to:
The project is supported from UNICEF.
The National Parks and Wildlife Department aims at protecting
natural resources within Lake Malawi. The department is
also in charge for the management of wetlands.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT: At the national level, a National
Water Development Policy has been developed with the assistance
of the World Bank and UNICEF. There is an ongoing water development
project to get good and clean water to the rural
community, upgrading management of water resources and the
provision of water related services.
(a) ensure convenient access to safe water for domestic use for a
progressively larger population of the community;
(b) provide water infrastructure capable of underpinning economic
development;
(c) ensure the protection and management of water resources and
aquatic and riparian environments which include:
- Seawatch for Lake Malawi which involves installation of
equipment to collect and transmit data on various
parameters of the lake,
- Lake Malawi level control,
- Flood forecasting of the Lower Shire River,
- Hydrogeological and hydrological assessment and mapping to
provide information base.
1. Decision-Making Structure:
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Capacity-building
for local communities at the Husbandry Training Centre,
Natural Resources College, Community Training Centres, SADC-ELMS in
Lesotho. Public awareness campaigns are
ongoing in this sector and facilitate the importance of water and
inclusion in the national education curricula.
3. Major Groups: The Government is committed to imposing
the representation of women at all decision-making
processes in the water sector. Others include NGOs, the private
sector, church groups, donors and other interested parties.
4. Finance: The Government is obtaining funding from a
variety of sources such as EU, IUNC, World Bank, UNICEF,
ODA and NORAD for water supply and sanitation programmes, water
policy and legislation, education, integrated
management and conservation campaigns.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi is part of
the SADC regional initiatives which address water for
domestic use and sanitation. Malawi also participates in the
regional management of shared river basins and water course
systems such as the Zambezi Action Plan (ZACPLAN) and will be part
of the Maseru-Lesotho meeting sponsored by EU
and the SADC Environment and Land Resource Management Sector in May
this year.
Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development - the Water Resources
Board
Department of National Parks and Wildlife
Ministry of Natural Resources - Forestry Department
University of Malawi
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
Water Boards
City Councils and Local Communities
Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs
Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation - Department of
Meteorology
Latest 199- | ||||
Fresh water availability (total domestic/external in million m3) | ||||
Annual withdrawal of freshwater as % of available water | ||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 19: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN TOXIC
AND DANGEROUS PRODUCTS
A system of control of transport of chemicals is in place to
ensure:
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Improvement and Enhancement of
the System of Environmentally Sound Management
of Chemicals
STATUS REPORT: The Ministry of Commerce and
Industry ensures that the country does not issue import and export
licences for toxic and dangerous wastes. The same applies to
firearms, ammunition, explosives and chemical and
biological weapons.
* improvement and enhancement of a system for the Safe
Management of Chemicals
* improvement of the work on chemical dangers assessment
* coordination of classification, packaging and marketing of
chemicals
* improvement of the work on measures to prevent illegal trade
in toxic and hazardous chemicals
* exchange of relevant information regarding the safe
management of chemicals
1. Decision-Making Structure:
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups: Farmers, the local community, educational
institutions, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
Development, parastatals, the University of Malawi.
4. Finance:
Government revenue
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi belongs to
the Montreal Protocol and other related agreements both
regionally and internationally.
Ministry of Health and Population
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Malawi Bureau of Standards
Drugs and Pharmaceutical Board of Malawi
Pesticide Association of Malawi
Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA)
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
The Malawi Chamber of Commerce
Ministry of Defence
Training of human resources
Public awareness at all levels
Donor Funding
Bilateral and multilateral organizations
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 20: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN
HAZARDOUS WASTES
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was
ratified in 1994.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Under the Basel Convention, Malawi has a grace period for
implementation up to 1997, including carrying out an
inventory on industries. This has led to identifying training
centres for capacity building in the management of hazardous
waste. These are:
A needs assessment aimed at identifying training needs in hazardous
waste management was done in September. Locally,
city councils had discussions with the Ministry of Trade and
Commerce in the management of waste from industries,
including air, land and waste-borne effluents.
A monitoring system has been established to identify who, where and
what is being dumped. A discussion forum has been
established with representatives from industries, to sensitize them
on environmental damage by hazardous waste.
A project is in the pipeline for recycling waste used by large
industries in Blantyre City.
A good housekeeping project includes discussions held in
partnership with MBS, MIRTDC, Polytechnic and industry
managers.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
- South Africa for English-speaking countries including Malawi,
- Cote d'Ivoire for French-speaking countries,
- Egypt for Arabic-speaking countries.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Authorities handling
Convention matters: MOREA (informing industry), the Ministry of
Justice and MIRTDC. Also, the Ministries of Trade, Industry and
Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
are involved.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Once established,
the regional training centres in South Africa, Cote d'Ivoire
and Egypt will provide training to developing countries. MIRTDC
promotes waste incinerators and saw-dust briquetting
and assists in Stanlinks briquetting of agricultural waste.
Information on waste reduction is provided from UNIDO.
3. Major Groups: Communities and industry.
4. Finance: CIDA, World Bank, Basel Convention (funds for
training).
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Malawi has not yet
ratified the Bamako Convention, which prohibits the import
of hazardous waste. Expired and nearly expired chemicals are being
imported to Malawi.
Latest 199- | ||||
Generation of hazardous waste (t) | ||||
Import of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
Export of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
Area of land contaminated by hazardous waste (km2) | ||||
Expenditure on hazardous waste treatment (US$) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 21: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTES AND SEWAGE-RELATED ISSUES
The sewer system only covers 24% of the area (e.g. commercial
areas, institutions); 76% is served with pit latrines and
septic tanks.
The Blantyre City Sanitation Master Plan Study was conducted in
1992 as part of the local government development
programme and covers four towns: Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba and
Mzuzu.
The Malawi Industrial Research Technology and Development Centre
conducted an inventory for waste, i.e. what type is
to be recycled and used and how to reduce waste generation.
In Mzuzu City, waste is being collected twice a week from
households, commercial and industrial areas, and daily from
public places, markets and hospitals. The equipment available
includes two refuse trucks, one tractor trailer, one micro
bin and one micro van.
In Zomba municipality, 47.3% of all refuse is collected. There is
one vehicle available and the only landfill is already
exhausted. A study for a new landfill has been carried out. Market
and location committees on environmental issues were
established. There is one tanker available for emptying septic
tanks. Provision is being made for ventilated improved pit
latrines in peri-urban areas, for maintenance of burst sewer lines,
and for emptying septic tanks/VIP latrines.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Solid waste is generated on
streets, in commercial areas, from markets and as domestic waste,
and it
is collected and disposed at uncontrolled landfills. Waste disposal
is managed by either council or private bodies. The
system shows problems associated with collection vessels, road
access to waste and uncontrolled landfill issues.
1. Decision-Making Structure:
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups: City councils, municipality councils, town
councils, district councils.
4. Finance: NGOs, UNICEF, World Bank, African Development
Bank, Government grants (e.g. from Japan, Sweden,
Canada), Mitsubishi corporation.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: International Water
Supply Association, bilateral agreements with SADC
member states.
Management structure (top-bottom).
Council structure (bottom-top).
Ministry of Local Government.
Training programmes from Councils, Government and foreign aid.
Exchange programmes with sister cities.
Latest 199- | ||||
Generation of industrial and municipal waste (t) | ||||
Waste disposed(Kg/capita) | ||||
Expenditure on waste collection and treatment (US$) | ||||
Waste recycling rates (%) | ||||
Municipal waste disposal (Kg/capita) | ||||
Waste reduction rates per unit of GDP (t/year) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 22: SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE
WASTES
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: No information.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
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Ch. 24: GLOBAL ACTION FOR WOMEN TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was ratified on 12 March 1987.
24.a Increasing the proportion of women decision makers.
No information.
24.b assessing, reviewing, revising and implementing curricula and other educational material with a view to promoting dissemination of gender-relevant knowledge. Curricula and educational material
See under comments.
24.c and 24.d formulating and implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and plans for achievement of equality in all aspects of society including issuing a strategy by year 2000 to eliminate obstacles to full participation of women in sustainable development. Policies/strategies etc.
See under comments.
24.e establishing mechanisms by 1995 to assess implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women
See under comments.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
A policy and action plan for women in sustainable development was put in place. A National Commission for women and development was set up. There is access to opportunities in education and development, employment economic empowerment, review of laws which are discriminatory to women and decision making levels. Access to appropriate technologies is gender sensitive as it reduces the burden on women. Projects on reproductive health are being implemented in order to allow women to have a say on when to reproduce and the number of children to have. School curricula are being developed which are sensitive to gender. There is a social mobilization programme at the University of Malawi Chancellor College in order to sensitize the society on equality. Promotion of women's education takes place through the Girls Attainment in Basic Level Education (GABLE). Women involvement in low cost material production for building is encouraged. There is opportunity for continuation of studies by pregnant girls and a change of attitude of women towards each other. |
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Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT. Children and Youth have very high national priority since they are the future leaders of Malawi. Child and youth policy is in the process of being developed. 2/3 of Malawi's population are children and youth of ages between 14 and 25 years.
Main achievements:
Creation of Ministry responsible for Sports, Youth and culture in
1993.
Development of Youth Programmes like:
Capacity Building:
Funding:
YOUTH DEFINITION: The National Youth Policy launched in January, 1996 defines Youth as all young people, female and male from the age of 14 to 25 years. When definitions of a child and youth are critically compared, an overlap in terms of age is noticed between 14 and 18 years. This makes it difficult to distinguish a youth organisation in Malawi from a children's.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The concept of sustainable development in this paper simply refers to developmental programmes/projects which are carried by/for the children and youth that are not only socially, economically, culturally and technically feasible and acceptable but also environmentally friendly.
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Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT (cont'd)
PROFILE OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Children and youth make up half the population in many developing countries. This numerical advantage of the children and youth compels the government to consult and let youth participate in decisions that affect the environment. This is clearly outlined in the National Youth Policy, especially in the area for Action Science, technology and environment. Under this section there is emphasis on promotion of environmental education among the youth and their involvement in environmental conservation through the integration of environmental education in the formal and non-formal curricula.
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture following the launching of the National Youth Policy has registered over 30 organisations. These youth organisations are involved in sustainable development projects. Most of these projects are agro-based since Malawi's economy is agricultural based. It has however been observed of late that many youth consider farming as a last resort due to limited land available, such that land holding sizes are declining to un-economical levels.
The situation is worse as a result of a high population growth rate estimated at 3.3%.
Having recognised the situation in Malawi, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and Youth organisations not only advocate for proper utilisation of the available natural resources which provide job opportunities for youth but also promote children's rights, education and their health. The following activities are being carried out in sustainable development:
1. MINISTRY OF YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE
(a) VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE Established Nasawa and Salima Vocational Training Centres for the Youth skills training opportunities. About six more are to be established as Ex-Malawi Young Pioneers bases.
(b) YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND CREDIT SCHEME: This scheme does not only provide credit facilities to the youth but also emphasizes the development of the youth into successful entrepreneurs. The scheme is funded by Commonwealth Youth Programme Africa Centre and the Ministry of Finances. Social dimension for Adjustment Programme and the recently launched K70 million Youth scheme. The project was developed on premise that the available credit systems are youth unfriendly and where youth have involved their enterprises have been unsustainable.
(c) FAMILY LIFE PROGRAMME: This programme aims at the promotion of healthy life of the children and youth in Malawi. The areas which are covered in the programme are sex education, family planning, human development, adolescent health, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. This programme is funded by UNFPA International. This is a three year project and it is envisaged that 2500 youths will be reached as peer educators.
(d) OUT OF SCHOOL YOUTHS ANTI-AIDS CLUBS The aim of this programme is to help the youth to avoid HIV/AIDS infection. In order to empower the youth to change their behaviour, and to influence their friends, they participate in activities some of which are communication skills which help them take responsibility of their own health.
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Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT (cont'd)
(2) YOUTH ORGANISATIONS
(a) SOLAR COOKER PRODUCTION The Blantyre Young Voices Movement is involved in the production of solar cookers. The project aims at reducing the charcoal use in urban and rural areas which consequently has a positive effect on environment.
(b) MAKE A WILL CAMPAIGN The Blantyre Young Voices Movement has embarked on this programm which aims at educating the parents need of writing a will. The will safeguards the future of children in case a parent dies.
(c) CHILD RIGHTS PROGRAMME The Blantyre Young Voices Movement together with other youth organisations advocate for children rights including the right to life, names and nationality, education, health and health services, to be protected from torture, to social security, protected from child labour, standard of living, freedom of expressions etc.
(d) RE-ENFORCEMENT PROJECT The Youth Arm Organisation is running this project with an aim of re-enforcing aides related messages to the youth, sports and communication skills.
(e) STRAIGHT TALK PROJECT This is a radio programme which aims at giving the youth an opportunity of discussing, dissemination and participation on issues that affect them.
(f) AFFORESTATION PROJECT The Youth Arm Organisation embarks on afforestation project at Mount Soche (Soche Hills). The main activity will take place as soon as the rains start. Active youth in self enhance (AYISE) are currently involved in afforestation in Bangwe.
(g) CHILINDE TANNERY This youth group in Chilinde-Lilongwe turns hide into hide products such as shoes, belts, leather bags.
(h) WIND MILL - YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION This is a Blantyre youth group which has come up with a wind mill which uses wings in the generation of electricity which will have a positive environmental effect.
(i) BIO-GAS PLANT A case in point is the Bunda College initiative of developing a bio-gas plant that will be operated and owned by female youth in Lilongwe. This is a reasonable cheap venture and reduces deforestation.
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Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT (cont'd)
(f) POULTRY PRODUCTION Many youth clubs in all districts are involved in the production of broiler and eggs which are scarce in Malawi and the demand is quite high. The poultry provide manure in addition to meat and eggs for sale.
(k) BEE KEEPING Many youth clubs in the Northern region of Malawi and Mulanje venture into this business and reduce the problem of unemployment and poverty. They use modern hives.
(l) MUSHROOM PRODUCTION Currently a few youth are involved in the growing of mushroom in Thyolo commercially. The retail price of mushroom is very attractive and is likely to provide a rate of return higher than many crops.
(m) ART THROUGH PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURE Many youth in urban set ups are encouraged to own Agro-forestry projects.
(n) FISH FARMING In Zomba, Mulanje, Mzuzu and other districts youth have fish ponds as an enterprise.
CONCLUSION:
The above list of sustainable development projects in which the children and youth are involved in is just giving an outline of projects known to exist by the Ministry. There may be some known by other Ministries and other organisations. It should also be noted that the formulation and implementation of the above projects is usually on:
It is therefore expected that many more children and youth will be involved in sustainable development with the availability of resources over time.
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Ch. 26: RECOGNIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR
COMMUNITIES.
26.a establishing a process to empower indigenous people and their communities -- through policies and legal instruments: Not applicable.
26.b strengthening arrangements for active participation in national policies Not applicable.
26.c involving indigenous people in resource management strategies and programmes at the national and local level. Not applicable.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): Not applicable.
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Ch. 27: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 27.a developing mechanisms that allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively. 27.b reviewing formal procedures and mechanisms to involve NGOs in decision making and implementation. 27.c promoting and allowing NGOs to participate in the conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation.
NGOs are participating fully.
27.d establishing a mutually productive dialogue by 1995 at the national level between NGOs and governments.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
NGOs are working hand in hand with government departments in implementing some of the programmes for conservation and preservation of the natural resource base and in development projects.
A Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA) was established to coordinate the work of all NGOs in Malawi. A Coordination Unit for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) was established within the CONGOMA umbrella to deal with all matters related to environment within the NGO community. CURE works hand-in-hand with all other NGOs dealing with sustainable environmental management issues in the country. NGOs and other relevant CBOs are in all the National Steering Committees in Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Management Project under the World Bank, the GEF, and other relevant sectors dealing with sustainable environmental management and other related areas of concern. Promoting and allowing NGOs to participate in decision-making at the national level through conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation and other related strategies has been established in the country through the coordination of the Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs. Various national government ministries and departments have entered into partnerships with NGOs at different levels.
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Ch. 28: LOCAL AUTHORITIES' INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF
AGENDA 21.
28.a encouraging local authorities to implement and monitor programmes that aim to ensure participation of women and youth in local decision making.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
Local Authority Policy has been reviewed. Local Authority have elected members to run councils.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
In recognition of local communities potentials and capacities authorities have strengthened local structures like:
Church groups
ACTIVITIES:
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Ch. 29: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND
THEIR TRADE UNIONS. 29.a full participation of workers in implementation and evaluation of A21. 29.b (By year 2000, (a) promoting ratification of ILO conventions; (b) establishing bipartite and tripartite mechanism on safety, health and sustainable development; (c) increasing number of environmental collective agreements; (d) reducing occupational accidents and injuries; (e) increasing workers' education and training efforts.
23 ILO Conventions have been ratified. Workers take some part in National Agenda 21 discussions/implementation.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
Trade Unions in Malawi are new but their focus is on the salaries of the workers and their well being through bargaining of the conditions of services which is supported by the labour act.
The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Development and other labour-related sectors, such as the University and the Chamber of Commerce, work hand-in-hand to ensure that the concerns of the labour force and unions are addressed at various levels both within the civil service and the political system.
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30: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF BUSINESS AND
INDUSTRY. 30.a increasing the efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output.
30.b encouraging the concept of stewardship in management and use of natural resources by entrepreneurs.
List any actions taken in this area:
30.c increasing number of enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): Technology import and adaptation in Malawi lies in the hands of MIRTDC. New incentives have included economic ones e.g new investors guide by MIPA i.e. tax and allowances. MBS solely responsible for ensuring standards in food processing. Private sector to develop environmental codes.
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Ch. 31: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
COMMUNITY. 31.a improving exchange of knowledge and concerns between s&t community and the general public.
There is some effort in this direction. Brief description: establishment of environmental programmes related to science and technology and its role in reconciling and development.
31.b developing, improving and promoting international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology and its role in reconciling environment and development.
Brief comments: Research in Malawi is done by Agricultural Research Department of Malawi and coordinated by the Agricultural Research Council of Malawi. The Agricultural Sciences Committee (ASC) has been established through a World Bank support to facilitate contract research in Malawi by scientific community in Malawi.
The University of Malawi is also carrying out some research. A Center for Environmental Research is to be based and coordinated at the University of Malawi's Bunda College of Agriculture in Lilongwe.
Brief comments on this chapter not already described in chapter 35
(maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed
this page):
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Ch. 32: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
FARMERS. 32.a promoting and encouraging sustainable farming practices and technologies.
32.b developing a policy framework that provides incentives and motivation among farmers for sustainable and efficient farming practices.
32.c enhancing participation of organizations of farmers in design and implementation of sustainable development policies.
See under comments.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
Dambos are used for vegetable and tobacco nursery and lead to, hence, environmental degradation. Cultivation in highlands is detrimental, hence need of a law to prohibit the cultivation at certain points. The use of manure instead of inorganic fertilisers is encouraged, as inorganic fertilisers pollute lakes and water bodies and hence have an effect on some fish species. The land tenure system to be revised in terms of land ownership. Credit facilities are for inputs in ADDs which facilitate or promote productivity. Loan repayment is as low as 56% at present. Farm supplies are limited due to removal of government subsidies on farm inputs. Training is offered from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bunda College on Environmental Education.
Policies on boosting agricultural productivity concentrate on larger farms, promote other ventures such as fish farming and introduce agricultural cooperatives.
A study was commissioned from the Ministry of Lands and Valuation to look into land tenure. Credit mechanisms through the Malawi Rural Financing Company are restrictive. The Bunda College and the Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture are involved in land and water conservation. Estate owners to have 10% of their land devoted to tree growing.
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 33: FINANCIAL RESOURCES
AND MECHANISMS
Financial resources and mechanisms are also covered under each
sectoral chapter of Agenda 21 where
relevant. This summary highlights broader national financial
policies, domestic and external
(including ODA)
Activities:
CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT:
A revenue sharing mechanism scheme has been introduced, enabling
local communities to benefit from the income from
protected areas.
NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS:
ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES:
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high, since finances are
required to support sustainable development strategies in
the country
STATUS REPORT: The southern region of Malawi is
still dependent on donor funding for development.
- Introduction of a cash budget system to control
expenditures,
- Privatisation,
- Removal of sub-bodies on fertilizers and paraffin, structural
adjustment programmes.
- "Nature" - support was introduced for recurrent
expenditure programmes.
- The land reform policy was financed by the World Bank, USAID
and Overseas Development Agency.
- Establishment of the Malawi stock exchange.
- Introduction of a drought levy on salaries.
- Establishment of the Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF).
ODA policy issues
No information
|
ODA funding provided or received (Total US$million) | ||||||
Net flow of external capital from all sources as % of GDP | ||||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 34: TRANSFER OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY, COOPERATION
AND CAPACITY-BUILDING
Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and
capacity-building is also covered under each sectoral
chapter of Agenda 21 where relevant. This summary highlights
broader national policies and actions relating to
chapter 34.
The Malawi Industrial Research and Technology Development Centre
(MIRTDC) is a member of the GEF. MIRTDC
works together with the Malawi Bureau of Standards in conducting
waste audits. MIRTDC has a data base for companies
which have technology for transfer to other parties. There are
links with Southern Africa on leadership for environment.
There are also links with the SADC energy management project for
industrial energy management.
MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION:
There is a National Steering Committee for the GEF and an Energy
Technical Panel at the national level. It is intended to
set up a Regional Energy Training Centre at the Natural Resources
College.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very High
STATUS REPORT ON LINKS BETWEEN NATIONAL, REGIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
NETWORKS/SYSTEMS:
Describe any work being undertaken at the national or
local level regarding efforts to promote clean production
processes and/or the concepts of eco-efficiency. These processes
may include training, preferential financial
arrangements, information dissemination and changes in legal or
regulatory frameworks.
- The Institutional Support for Environmental Management Project
is funded by UNDP.
Provide information on the adoption of environmental management systems. National reaction to environmental management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and others. Please note efforts made at the national level to promote their adoption and the creation of certification infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to local industry.
List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the
transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized
enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial
resources and other transfer strategies.
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 35: SCIENCE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Emphasis is being placed on research on the domestication of
indigenous vegetables and fruits, on research on medicinal
plants, and on the promotion of conservation efforts and
sustainable agriculture by involving communities in a
participatory approach.
A research policy was formulated for the University of Malawi.
Further activities:
STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG
TERM SCIENTIFIC
ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE,
RESEARCH NEEDS AND PRIORITIES:
- Programmes in order to sensitize teachers on environmental
issues.
- An environmental awareness campaign has been carried out,
including radio programmes, workshops, jingles,
and other measures.
- Establishment of an e-mail-system at the University.
- Malawi is a member of the International Network for the
Generation of Aquaculture (INGA).
- Establishment of a GIS at the University of Malawi.
- Summer camps have been held for 280 students for designing
scientific research and projects.
- Science fairs have been held at district, regional and
national levels.
- Environmental issues have been introduced in primary schools
and are to be introduced for secondary school
teachers.
- Curricula have been reviewed to strengthen scientific
understanding.
Year | |||
Number of scientists, engineers and technicians engaged in research and experimental development | # | 19-- | |
Total expenditure for research and experimental development (US$eq.) | $ | 19-- | |
Other data
The University of Malawi has so far been allocating 0.28% of its budget to research. There is now a policy guideline to strive for an allocation of 5% on the medium term.
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 36: PROMOTING EDUCATION,
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING
The Malawi Institute of Education was mandated to develop
curricula for the primary school level and for training of
teachers at the primary education level. Consequently,
environmental education in the formal education system was
focused at these two levels. The institute is also mandated to
develop the secondary education curriculum. The Malawi
Institute of Education has also been given the mandate to
coordinate environmental education activities in the formal
education sector.
Malawi has developed a National Environmental Education and
Communication Strategy with the main objective of
creating environmental awareness in both the formal and non-formal
sectors of the country.
a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable
development
Efforts are being done to ensure coordination in
environmental education for sustainable development.
b) Increasing public awareness
The Malawi Institute of Education organised a national
workshop to sensitise key personnel in environmental
education on the importance of sound environmental management and
to assist policy makers. This initiative lead
to the development of the National Environmental Education and
Communication Strategy. Various line
ministries, departments, NGOs, CBOs, parastatals, the private
sector, and the University of Malawi have joined
together to create awareness on environmental degradation in the
country and to find ways and means to address
the problems related to sustainability.
c) Promoting training
There has been no training in environmental education for
curriculum developers, teacher trainers, teachers and
education advisors due to lack of a coordinating body which would
initiate training programmes. However,
through the National Environmental Education and Communication
Strategy, it is expected that training at various
levels will be done and enhanced.
ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS:
Some effort was made from donor agencies to coordinate
environmental education activities between the Malawi Institute
of Education and other stakeholders, e.g. Ministry of Education,
University of Malawi, Domasi College of Education,
Wildlife Society of Malawi and the Coordination Unit for
Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE), when developing
the National Environmental Education and Communication Strategy. It
is expected that all the agencies will form a
national team to address environmental education in the country.
FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES:
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: INCORPORATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION IN THE FORMAL EDUCATION
SYSTEM.
Latest 199- | ||||
Adult literacy rate (%) Male | ||||
Adult literacy rate (%) Female | ||||
% of primary school children reaching grade 5 (1986-97) | ||||
Mean number of years of schooling | ||||
% of GNP spent on education | ||||
Females per 100 males in secondary school | ||||
Women per 100 men in the labour force | ||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 37: NATIONAL MECHANISMS
AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR
CAPACITY-BUILDING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
National capacity building is also covered under sectoral
chapters.
Donors: You may wish to describe here how Agenda 21 has
influenced your ODA policies in this area.
Developing countries: You may wish to describe any new
national mechanisms for capacity building - and any
changes in technical cooperation.
No information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL ENDOGENOUS CAPACITY
BUILDING:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 38: INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Ch. 38: Brief summary of any particular UN System
response affecting this country/state:
No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 39: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL
INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS
Ch. 39: International Legal Instruments are covered
under the relevant sectoral chapters. This is a listing of major
agreements/conventions (not already covered) entered into and
relevant to Agenda 21:
|
2. | International cooperation and trade | |||||
3. | Combating poverty | |||||
4. | Changing consumption patterns | |||||
5. | Demographic dynamics and sustainability | |||||
6. | Human health | |||||
7. | Human settlements | |||||
8. | Integrating E & D in decision-making | |||||
9. | Protection of the atmosphere | |||||
10. | Integrated planning and management of land resources | |||||
11. | Combating deforestation | |||||
12. | Combating desertification and drought | |||||
13. | Sustainable mountain development | |||||
14. | Sustainable agriculture and rural development | |||||
15. | Conservation of biological diversity | |||||
16. | Biotechnology | |||||
17. | Oceans, seas, coastal areas and their living resources | N/A | ||||
18. | Freshwater resources | |||||
19. | Toxic chemicals | |||||
20. | Hazardous wastes | |||||
21. | Solid wastes | |||||
22. | Radioactive wastes | |||||
24. | Women in sustainable development | |||||
25. | Children and youth | |||||
26. | Indigenous people | N/A | ||||
27. | Non-governmental organizations | |||||
28. | Local authorities | |||||
29. | Workers and trade unions | |||||
30. | Business and industry | |||||
31. | Scientific and technological community | |||||
32. | Farmers | |||||
33. | Financial resources and mechanisms | |||||
34. | Technology, cooperation and capacity-building | |||||
35. | Science for sustainable development | |||||
36. | Education, public awareness and training | |||||
37. | International cooperation for capacity-building | |||||
38. | International institutional arrangements | |||||
39. | International legal instruments | |||||
40. | Information for decision-making |
No information.
Latest 199- | ||||
Number of telephones in use per 100 inhabitants | ||||
Other data
|
Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
Last updated 1 November 1997