MZUZU, Malawi— The Association for Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi has underscored the need for sustainable livelihood alternatives to reduce pressure on the environment caused by activities such as charcoal burning and firewood selling, writes James Nyirenda.
Speaking in Mzuzu on Monday during the opening of a five-day journalist training on land restoration, AEJ president Titus Linzie said many people destroy the environment out of economic necessity, calling for urgent interventions that promote sustainable income-generating options.
“We are talking about land restoration — that’s the only thing we should advance to make our environment survive. Land has been degraded left, right, and centre, so it’s now our turn as journalists to take this message to the masses,” Linzie said.
He emphasized that journalists play a crucial role in spreading messages that promote environmental conservation and land restoration across communities.
Juma Masumba, representing Catholic Relief Services (CRS), revealed that about 7 million hectares of land in Malawi are degraded — a situation that poses serious challenges to crop production and food security.
Masumba said the ongoing land restoration initiative, which CRS is implementing in collaboration with other organizations, has so far managed to restore approximately 4 million hectares of degraded land.
“This land restoration project was generated from a 2017 national strategy that analyzed how degraded Malawi is. About seven million hectares need to be restored, and we are making steady progress,” Masumba explained.
He added that journalists are vital partners in the restoration effort, as their reporting can influence public perception and promote behavioural change among communities.
Towera Katswiri, a journalist from Zodiak Broadcasting Station, who is participating in the training, said the workshop is timely and empowering.
“Our world is changing, and rampant tree cutting continues to harm the environment. Journalists have the power to raise awareness about climate change, educate communities, and inspire mindset change that supports environmental restoration,” Katswiri said.
The five-day training includes three days of theory and two days of field practicals in Mzimba District, where Total Land Care is implementing restoration projects.
Linzie said AEJ will continue to build media capacity to ensure that land restoration and environmental protection remain at the centre of Malawi’s development agenda.