Department of
Leading the Way in Forestry and Environmental Management
Forests are the backbone of ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. At the Department of Forestry and Environmental Management, we are committed to training future environmental stewards who will shape the sustainable management of forests and natural resources. Through cutting-edge research, hands-on learning, and industry collaborations, we equip students with the expertise needed to address pressing environmental challenges.
About our Department
Established with a vision to be a leader in forestry and environmental sciences, our department is driven by a mission to develop and apply technical and scientific knowledge in forestry, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management. Our values—excellence, innovation, diligence, teamwork, collaboration, and respect—guide our teaching, research, and community engagement.
With a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership, the Department of Forestry and Environmental Management at Mzuzu University stands at the forefront of creating solutions for Malawi, Africa, and beyond. Whether you are an aspiring forester, researcher, or policymaker, our programs prepare you to make a meaningful impact on the world’s forests and ecosystems.
Mission
To advance excellence in development and application of technical and scientific knowledge in forestry and environment through teaching, research and provision of expert services
Vision
To be a leading tertiary institution known for its quality, relevance and impact in forestry and allied sectors through teaching, research and provision of expert services locally and globally
Programmes
Explore our diverse range of programmes designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge.
Meet Our Team
Research, Outreach and Publications
Research is central to our work, with ongoing projects in climate resilience, sustainable forestry, forest ecosystem management, and environmental policy development. Our department collaborates with government agencies, research institutions, and international partners to drive impactful research and policy recommendations.
Research Focus
In line with Mzuni’s strategic goal on research and innovation, the DFEM has positioned itself to address complex challenges existing within forests, forest-dependent sectors and society through generation of new knowledge, innovations and societal transformation needed for impactful economic development. In order to maximise our research impact, efforts are focused, in part on, forest science, social forestry, forest engineering, forest and environmental management, forest business management and climate change related challenges. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the aspirations of the National Forest Policy, National Environmental Policy, Malawi 2063, MIP-1, SDGs and AU 2063 by 2030.
Undergraduate research
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Management (DFEM) has huge output of undergraduate research in the areas of, but not limited to, silviculture, agroforestry, social forestry, forest engineering, forest products, wood science and forest economics.