Meet Margaret Kunje: Saving Malawi’s Forests

Since our founding in 1881, AAUW has strived to support women who raise awareness of pressing social issues through their work. With the increased importance of environmentalism and resource conservation in academia and public policy, AAUW is privileged to support alumnae who share their passion and expertise in these fields with their communities. Margaret Kunje, a 2008 International Fellowship recipient from Malawi, is one of those alumnae. Kunje currently works for the Malawi Department of Forestry as a district forestry officer helping communities develop and secure funding for tree planting and other conservation projects.

Kunje’s passion for forestry and conservation work started in 1993 when her brother persuaded her to apply for a two-year training course at Malawi College of Forestry and Wildlife. She soon discovered a love for the forests of Malawi, and she also found the opportunity to interact with individuals who have a unique connection to the land. Communities in rural Malawi depend on the land for farming, and yet many do not receive the resources they need to keep the forest healthy and sustainable. Additionally, wood is the largest source of fuel for cooking, which places heavy demands on forest resources.

After receiving her certificate in forest management, Kunje’s first job was at Malawi’s Department of Forestry headquarters, where she compiled and analyzed data collected about forest conditions. However, she realized that if she continued her education she would be able to better contribute to the growing, critical environmental field in Africa. Her AAUW International Fellowship allowed her to attend Oregon State University and earn her master’s degree. Kunje explained, “AAUW has played a great role in my career path. The opportunity to study [at Oregon State University] has enhanced my skills in forest management and conservation as well as strengthened my leadership skills. My master’s degree has really filled the knowledge gap I had.”

Since attending Oregon State University, Kunje has returned to the Department of Forestry, where her current work includes leading village natural resources management committees, establishing nurseries and woodlots, and facilitating the creation of village forest areas, which are collectively owned and controlled. Her greatest achievement this past year has been securing funding to expand the scope of projects to more villages. “I have been able to rehabilitate rivers and hills through tree planting and indigenous forest management. … Now many of them are restored to the original ecological function.” The conservation projects that Kunje helps facilitate have greatly contributed to the overall health and balance of Malawi’s ecosystem, and she hopes to continue to expand these projects.

Kunje’s goal for the future is to get her doctorate to further her forestry expertise. “During my Ph.D. studies I would like to do research in participatory forest management because it is a new concept in Malawi as well as in Africa. It aims to promote sustainable management of forest resources and therefore also promotes sustainable livelihoods for citizens.” Kunje would eventually like to teach at a university in Malawi to help educate future generations of conservationists.

This blog post was written by Fellowships and Grants Fellow Mia Cakebread.