By Wendy Mkandawire
Environmental expert Godfrey Mfiti has urged the government to urgently address supply gaps and high costs of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), saying consistent access is key to reducing deforestation in Malawi.
Mfiti stated in an interview that scaling up LPG and other clean cooking alternatives is one of the most practical ways to cut heavy dependence on firewood and charcoal, which continue to drive trees cutting across the country.
Mfiti said promoting LPG and other alternative cooking energy sources can significantly reduce pressure on forests. He emphasized the need for deliberate measures to make options available and affordable. He also encouraged households to explore additional clean energy sources such as biogas, particularly in rural areas where livestock waste can be utilized.
Mfiti noted that despite environmental benefits, the uptake of LPG remains low due to two main barriers: the high cost of cylinders and gas refills, and inadequate distribution networks, especially outside major towns.
The expert called on the government and energy stakeholders to invest in LPG infrastructure, including depots and last-mile distribution, introduce pricing reforms, and roll out public awareness campaigns on the safe use and benefits of clean cooking.
He said a coordinated approach combining LPG, biogas, and improved cookstoves would help households transition away from wood fuel while protecting forests and improving health.
Malawi continues to lose thousands of hectares of forest annually, largely due to charcoal production and firewood collection for cooking.
