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Abstract:
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This paper presents the status of biomass supply and utilisation in Malawi as well as the policies and projects that promote and regulate biomass production and utilisation. The paper is based on secondary research and published and unpublished documents were review. A number of issues have emerged as regards to biomass production and utilisation and these are: a) Biomass is the main source of energy in Malawi. It accounts for 97% total primary energy supply out of which 59% is used in its primary form as firewood (52%) and residues (7%), while the remaining 41% are converted into charcoal. b) The gross annual energy demand in Malawi is estimated at 155,775 Tera Joules. Biomass accounts for 88.5% of this energy demand. c) Biomass demand and supply projections show that biomass supply would reduce over the years while demand will increase due to increase in population. d) Biomass makes significant contributions to the national economy but this is underestimated in official statistics. e) In Malawi, biomass availability and utilisation is also related to some cultural practices and landscape integrity. There are a number of cultural practices that require some secrecy and hence requires thick forests. f) There are three main policies that have bearings on biomass energy availability and utilisation in Malawi. These policies include the National Energy Policy, Forestry Policy and the Biomass Energy Strategy. g) A number of institutions define the biomass sector in Malawi. These include those that regulate production and use of biomass energy, those that produce biomass energy, and those that produce alternative sources of energy. |