How does tobacco production contribute to forest loss in Malawi?

In Malawi, the tobacco industry is a significant driver of deforestation and forest loss. The industry contributes to the denudation of woodlands in two primary ways:1

• Infrastructure: Trees are regularly felled to provide timber for the construction of sheds used to dry or cure the tobacco crop.1
• Fuel: Large quantities of firewood are required to fuel the curing process itself, placing substantial pressure on the country's forest resources.1

This environmental impact is compounded by other factors, such as the use of wood for domestic fuel, charcoal production in urban areas, and the use of firewood for brick-making kilns. Furthermore, the protection of forest reserves has been weakened by a reduction in personnel available to guard them against illegal exploitation.1