“It has been there for generations. Our forefathers used it, and so do we. What choice do we have? Other options are too expensive.”
These are the statements we hear from the communities we serve when we ask them why they continue to rely on charcoal made from wood. It is a sentiment echoed across Malawi, where the demand for wood charcoal in rural, urban, and peri-urban communities has persisted for decades. Unfortunately, this reliance has driven rampant deforestation, a silent catalyst of climate change that is wreaking havoc on our nation’s environment and economy.
In Malawi, charcoal production is not merely an economic activity; it is a way of life for many. Yet, this way of life is unsustainable. According to a report by the World Bank, Malawi loses an estimated 33,000 hectares of forest annually due to charcoal production. This alarming rate of deforestation has severe consequences, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and diminished agricultural productivity. The country’s rural communities, which heavily rely on agriculture, find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty as crop yields dwindle and food insecurity looms larger.
The economic impact is equally dire. As forests vanish, so too does the natural infrastructure that supports the livelihoods of millions. According to the World Bank, the annual cost of environmental degradation in Malawi is estimated to be 5.3% of the country’s GDP. This figure shows that there is an urgent need for change that transcends economic metrics and touches the very heart of our national identity.
Malawi’s wood charcoal production has further exacerbated the effects of climate change, manifesting in erratic weather patterns, severe droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. These climatic shifts pose a threat to food security and increase the vulnerability of communities dependent on subsistence farming.
While acknowledging the gravity of the situation is one thing, taking action is another. At Tingathe, we believe that addressing climate change requires tangible, community-driven solutions. In 2023, we launched an initiative that aims to break the cycle of deforestation and environmental degradation: the production of eco-friendly charcoal briquettes made from rice and groundnut husks.

These eco-briquettes represent a sustainable alternative to traditional wood charcoal. We use agricultural waste products to reduce the demand for wood and repurpose materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution. Eco-briquettes burn cleaner and longer than wood charcoal, reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, thus playing an important role in combating climate change.
Our mission is to help make Malawi green again by shifting the focus away from wood charcoal, which has been a main driver of deforestation. The practice of cutting down trees without replanting is a dangerous trajectory that endangers the future of our land and the generations to come. If this continues unchecked, we risk leaving behind a barren landscape—a death pit for our descendants.
One of the most encouraging aspects of our initiative is its growing acceptance among the residents of Lilongwe. Many have embraced our eco-briquettes, which are environmentally friendly and affordable. We sell them at a price accessible to even those living below the poverty line to ensure that sustainable energy is within reach for everyone.
Here’s what some community members have to say: “I used to spend a lot on wood charcoal, but now I save money and help the environment by using these briquettes. It’s a win-win for me and my family,” shares Grace, a mother of four from Mtandire in Lilongwe.
Our initiative has provided an alternative energy source and empowered communities through job creation and training programme. We are working hand in hand with people from our catchment areas to produce and sell these briquettes, ensuring that the benefits are felt across all levels of society.
In the words of Wangari Maathai, the renowned environmentalist, “It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.”
As we stand at this crossroads, we call upon you, our readers, to join us in this cause. The choices we make today have far-reaching implications for tomorrow. Let us all find our little things and collectively make a change.