LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s tree planting survival rate is standing between 50% and 60%, the development worrying Natural Resources Minister Patricia Wiskesi.
This comes barely two months after 2025/26 tree planting season was closed.
Addressing the news conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in the capital Lilongwe, Minister Wiskesi expressed disappointment over trees survival rate despite huge investment in planting exercise.
She indicated that there is a need for all stakeholders to invest more in survival rate exercise.
“The Ministry alongside with stakeholders need to invest much in survival rate programs that trees planted remain.
“We will also make sure that only well-defined land tenure is earmarked for tree planting exercise. This will enhance ownership that will go with caring of the planted trees’, discloses Minister Wiskesi.
The 2025/26 planting season was launched under the theme “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience” by Second Vice President Enock Kamzingeni Chihana, on 16th January 2026 at Mpata Primary School in Phalombe District.
During this year’s season, the country has planted over 59,022,540 million trees of various species have been planted and 8,142.94 hectares of natural regeneration managed nationwide.
This beat the target set of 41 million trees that were earmarked for 2025/2026 National Forestry Season.
The Ministry, through the Department of Forestry leads in a national tree planting and sustainable forest management campaign which runs from December 15 to April 15 every year.
The main goal of the National Forestry Season is to promote awareness about trees and forests, while encouraging a culture of environmental stewardship, tree growing and responsible land use in the country
These achievements reflect Malawi’s continued commitment to landscape restoration, climate action, and community resilience.
Guided by the theme “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience,” the Ministry underscores the critical role of trees and forests in supporting livelihoods, food security, and protection against climate-related shocks. The average survival rate for trees planted in the 2024/2025 season stands at 60%, highlighting a strong need for improved tree care through stakeholders’ involvement.
The Ministry extends its gratitude to all stakeholders for their continued support in implementing key forestry policies, including the Forestry Amendment Act No. 7 of 2020, the Malawi National REDD+ Strategy, the Malawi National Forest Landscape Restoration Strategy, and the National Charcoal Strategy all of which are tools that guide proper management and utilization of trees and forest resources.
As the season concludes, the public is encouraged to continue planting trees where conditions permit and to actively engage in forest conservation and sustainable management. Our collective efforts will contribute to the achievement of MW Agenda 2063 and strengthen resilience for present and future generations.
Dr. Misheck Yagontha Munthali
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