LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Despite continued efforts to promote cleaner and more cost-effective alternatives, the use of charcoal and firewood for domestic fuel in Malawi remains stubbornly high.
This habit persists even as electricity and gas have proven to be cheaper in the long run, safer for the environment, and healthier for households.
The question, then, is why do most Malawians continue to prefer charcoal and firewood over electricity and gas?
A quick survey conducted by The Maravi Post reveals that the infrastructure for gas usage is expanding rapidly in Lilongwe, with new gas filling stations being established closer to residential areas.
During the investigation, several gas stations were identified, including those at Kafoteka Filling Station, Kawale Post Office, Maulidi Gas Station in Matchansi, Chilinde 1, and many others serving high-density areas.
This shows that physical access to gas is no longer a major obstacle, at least in urban and peri-urban areas of the capital.
The persistence of charcoal and firewood usage, then, cannot be solely attributed to unavailability of alternatives.
One major factor behind this continued reliance is cultural habit and familiarity.
For generations, Malawians have relied on charcoal and firewood as the default cooking fuels, and many households remain skeptical or unaccustomed to the use of gas or electric stoves.
In some communities, using charcoal is associated with better tasting food, especially for traditional dishes like nsima, beans, or roasted maize.
The transition to gas or electricity would require not just a change in tools, but a shift in mindset, cooking methods, and daily routines.
Another barrier is the initial cost of setting up gas or electric appliances.
Even though gas and electricity may be cheaper over time, many households cannot afford the upfront cost of purchasing a gas cylinder, burner, or electric stove.
In contrast, a small bag of charcoal or a bundle of firewood can be bought for a few hundred kwacha, making them more accessible to low-income earners who live on hand-to-mouth budgets.
There is also the issue of unreliable electricity supply in some parts of the country.
Frequent blackouts or load shedding have made many households lose faith in electricity as a dependable source of energy, especially for critical tasks like cooking.
As a result, people revert to charcoal and firewood as backup or even primary fuel options.
Additionally, some people still believe that gas is dangerous, fearing explosions or gas leaks due to a lack of awareness or misinformation.
Although accidents involving gas are rare and usually the result of poor handling or faulty equipment, this fear continues to discourage many from adopting the cleaner fuel.
On the environmental front, the widespread use of charcoal and firewood is contributing to deforestation and climate degradation.
The Forestry Department and various NGOs have long warned that continued reliance on biomass fuel is unsustainable and poses a threat to Malawi’s natural ecosystems.
Yet the demand for charcoal remains high, creating a thriving black market and weakening enforcement efforts against illegal logging and unlicensed charcoal production.
Efforts to promote clean energy alternatives must go beyond simply making gas and electricity available.
There is need for widespread public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the long-term benefits, safety measures, and cost advantages of using gas and electricity.
Government and development partners must also consider subsidizing the cost of gas stoves and cylinders for low-income families to accelerate adoption.
At the same time, addressing the reliability of electricity supply through improved infrastructure and investment in energy security is critical.
Urban planning policies should also encourage the development of clean energy markets in densely populated townships, where most charcoal use is concentrated.
Ultimately, the decision to switch from charcoal and firewood to gas or electricity is shaped by a mix of affordability, accessibility, education, habit, and trust.
Changing this narrative requires not just economic incentives, but also a sustained cultural and behavioral shift.
Until then, the black smoke of charcoal will continue to rise over Malawi’s rooftops—not because better options don’t exist, but because the barriers to embracing them remain unbroken.