Participatory Forest Management Tool for Promoting Sustainable Forest Utilization in Chiradzulu, Malawi

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess community perceptions towards environmental issues and Participatory Forest Management (PFM) in Chiradzulu, Malawi. The study revealed that majority (94%) of the households are aware that the forest cover has declined in the past two decade and recognised this as a major environmental problem. Firewood the main source of energy, poverty, as well as population growth were identified as the major cause of the forest decline. However, the study revealed that PFM is one of the helpful tools in overcoming this challenge. Most (66%) of the households acknowledged that PFM is partially meeting community’s basic needs and interests. The basic needs that were observed included firewood, food, water, shelter, knowledge, skills, and income. This indicate that if PFM is implemented effectively, it would lead to sustainable management of forest resources. Therefore, the present study recommends that for sustainability of forest management to be achieved in the study area, communities should be fully empowered to make sound decisions for continued benefits for the entire community.