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Position Paper: Promoting Sustainable Practices in the WASH Sector through Energy Alternatives and Afforestation
Introduction
Malawi faces critical environmental and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) challenges driven by population growth and unsustainable use of natural resources. Addressing these interconnected issues demands innovative and sustainable solutions that balance human needs with environmental conservation.
Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFHM), in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Germany (HFHD) and with funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), is implementing a transformative WASH project in Traditional Authority (T/A) Masumbankhunda in Lilongwe district. This initiative integrates alternative energy solutions, afforestation efforts, and community empowerment to tackle deforestation, improve water resource management, and enhance WASH outcomes.
The WASH and Environmental Challenge in T/A Masumbankhunda
Rural areas such as T/A Masumbankhunda are severely affected by environmental degradation, primarily due to deforestation and limited alternative energy sources. The destruction of forests, fueled by reliance on firewood and charcoal, disrupts ecosystems, diminishes biodiversity, and exacerbates water scarcity and sanitation issues. According to the FAO (2014), deforestation reduces groundwater recharge capacity and threatens long-term WASH sustainability.
Achievements and Impact
Achievements of HFHM’s project in the area demonstrate the potential for replication and scaling nationwide:
- Empowering Communities: Formation of 20 women’s groups and 18 youth groups has enabled community members to produce over 20,000 briquettes and energy-saving cookstoves. These efforts have generated collective savings exceeding MK 150,000, fostering economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.
- Afforestation and Agroforestry: Distributed 3,700 Indonesian bamboo and 14,800 indigenous tree seedlings to 74 communities, restoring vegetative cover and promoting biodiversity. Thriving forests improve soil conservation, support aquifer recharge, and stabilize water resources.
- Economic and Environmental Synergies: By reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal, the initiative curtails deforestation, improves soil and water management, and creates entrepreneurial opportunities for women and youth.
Women and Youth as Catalysts for Change
Central to the project’s success is the empowerment of women and youth as change agents. By equipping them with skills to produce and market energy-efficient briquettes and cookstoves, the project addresses economic disparities while combating environmental degradation. Their entrepreneurial ventures underscore the viability of community-driven solutions to national challenges.
Policy Recommendations
To ensure the sustainability and scaling of this model, HFHM proposes the following recommendations to stakeholders, donors, and policymakers:
- Increase Investment in Alternative Energy Solutions
- Scale up investments in technologies such as briquettes and energy-saving cookstoves. Support for production capacity, market access, and technology dissemination will enhance impact.
- Expand Afforestation and Agroforestry Programs
- Allocate more resources to afforestation and sustainable land management. Agroforestry initiatives that integrate tree planting with agricultural practices should be prioritized to balance conservation and productivity.
- Strengthen Capacity Building
- Enhance training in entrepreneurship and technical skills for briquette production and stove molding to ensure long-term success and community resilience.
- Integrate Alternative Energy in WASH Policies
- Advocate for incorporating alternative energy solutions into national and local WASH strategies, recognizing their role in improving sanitation, conserving water resources, and mitigating environmental degradation.
Alignment with National Priorities
This initiative aligns with key national strategies, including Malawi’s Vision 2063, the National Energy Policy, and climate change adaptation frameworks. It contributes to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Conclusion
The environmental and WASH challenges in T/A Masumbankhunda reflect broader national issues that require immediate and sustainable interventions. HFHM’s integrated approach—combining alternative energy, afforestation, and community empowerment—offers a replicable model for addressing these challenges. Scaling this initiative can help break the cycle of environmental degradation and poverty, fostering resilient communities across Malawi.
By investing in sustainable practices and prioritizing grassroots solutions, Malawi can chart a path toward a healthier, more equitable future.
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