IMPACT OF CHARCOAL PRODUCTION ON HOUSEHOLD LIVELIHOODS: A CASE OF T/A NANKUMBA, MONKEY BAY

Abstract

Charcoal is an essential source of energy for many people living in urban areas in Malawi. Access to charcoal has positively affected people in both rural and urban areas; more so, the lives of charcoal producers have been greatly improved, particularly in rural areas. This qualitative and quantitative study deploys the comparative research approach with the aim to understand the socio-economic impact of on the livelihoods of the people of Nankumba in Monkey Bay. The study employed the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as the theoretical framework to contextualize the study. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews with selected participants through physical interaction. The 36 participants in the study were selected through purposive and snowball sampling approaches. Participants included police officers, village heads, forest officers, and local villagers involved and not involved in charcoal production. Microsoft Excel was used for quantitative data and thematic content analysis was used for qualitative data. The findings reveal that charcoal production has generally improved the socio-economic livelihoods of Nankumba residents. Specifically, charcoal production had a greater positive impact on financial, physical, social and human capitals. The impact on natural capital can only be determined in the long term. Charcoal production is used to fill seasonal income shortfalls during lean agriculture seasons. It is taken as a quick source of cash. Increased income from charcoal improved charcoal producers‟ ability to buy assets such as bicycles, radios, cellphones and farm inputs. The findings reveal that charcoal production has lessened robbery and crimes in the community. It was also revealed that livelihood challenges faced by charcoal producers include public health and safety, poor government policy, confiscation of charcoal, scarcity of tree good species and resource constraints. The study recommends, amongst other things, the continued support from government and international and local NGOs on planting trees and sustainable charcoal production. The study also recommends further consideration of charcoal producers to form associations as registered group business so that they are protected by laws and monitor each other on how they can protect the forests.