What is deforestation?

How bad deforestation in Malawi
really is

Deforestation is when a country or area is losing trees. The environment is a very important thing to the world. The environment is helpful for providing food, shelter, oxygen and even water. Now that trees are being cut down, the environment has been worse. Our needs are fading.


The environment has always contained of trees and forests. Africa was once filled with green trees and nature. In 2001 the environment was great! Lots of thick trees with green leaves. Now trees have been cut down to be used for timber or firewood. Countries all over the world have been affected by deforestation. In Africa, deforestation has been an issue. Malawi's biggest problem is deforestation.

Why is Deforestation such a big problem in Malawi?

Malawi is locate in the East part of Africa. It had many trees in the past and was one of the most bountiful countries in Africa. Nowadays, this has changed. Many people have been cutting down trees and uses it for them selves. Lots of farmers in Malawi have cut down many trees. They simple cut a tree down, then they use it for firewood and timber or they don't use it. Some farmers only cut trees down for the land! They waste all of these resources just to build another farm.

One farmer cut down all these trees and
was going to open a new farm

Malawi's biggest issue is deforestation. Malawi was once heavily forested. Now the forest only covers up 27.2% of the total land area in Malawi.Wood is the main fuel in Malawi, and 95% of homes still use wood or charcoal for cooking. In many areas, wood is now becoming very scarce. 

Some species of animals are now endangered because of the habitats being cut down. Some animals now don't have habitats and have become endangered.

In Malawi deforestation is a big problem because the trees play a big role in keeping the soil steady. Their roots provide stability for the soil. Deforestation in Malawi can also affect desertification.

How we can help prevent deforestation in Malawi!

In Malawi, deforestation is one of the biggest problems. We can help prevent deforestation in Malawi! Preventing deforestation cannot simply be completed with saying ''stop''. In stead of preventing it, why not replant trees? After cutting one down plant it again. This will help the environment and reduce the amount of trees being cut down. We can raise money to buy seeds for farmers in Malawi to replant 1 tree after cutting one down. Some ways you can raise money: bake sale, fun event, carnival, sponsors etc. In the area you are in, you can plant trees with your friends in your local neighborhood.