Abstract

There is a shortage of wood in Malawi because so much of the land is under cultivation. Phase I of this project sought to provide the rural population with an adequate and continuous supply of wood for fuel and construction by identifying and evaluating suitable tree species for afforestation. A total of 93 species trials were established and valuable information on planting techniques and management of small-scale plantations was obtained. In phase II, researchers will determine the various silvicultural zones of Malawi; continue to identify the best adapted and most productive tree species; and further investigate establishment and management techniques for small-scale plantations. Researchers will also determine the most appropriate species to be grown in association with food crops.

Post-Project Summary

This project allowed the Forest Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM) to evaluate and recommend several multipurpose tree species for afforestation. Three field trials were evaluated over four growing seasons. Seven non-Eucalyptus tree species with nitrogen-fixing ability were shown to have more beneficial attributes to rural afforestation than Eucalyptus. However, Eucalyptus remained superior in growth and quality of polewood and fuelwood. Agroforestry interventions were tried with Eucalyptus, Prosopis, and Gliricidia sepium. Trials after one crop season showed that Eucalyptus was not compatible with maize, beans, cassava, and groundnuts. Eucalyptus was recommended as a woodlot species. Site classification of Malawi forest soils was not completed. Improvement in nursery practices; provenance selection and breeding; and management techniques were addressed. As well, several FRIM research papers were produced; project staff organized farmer field days; and several local farmers were recruited for agroforestry trials.

Recipient Institution(s)