Malanje, Angola
Malanje, Angola: History, Community, and Conservation
Malanje, located in the heart of Angola, is a region of immense cultural and ecological significance. Its landscapes embody Angola’s rich biodiversity, from miombo woodlands to its rolling savannahs and scattered forests. Yet, like much of Angola, Malanje bears the scars of history and faces pressing environmental and social challenges today.
A Region Shaped by History
Angola’s 27-year-long civil war, which ended in 2002, had a profound impact on the country and its people. In Malanje, many rural communities were displaced during the conflict, resulting in the loss of traditional livelihoods and an enduring lack of infrastructure and basic services. Today, these communities are working to rebuild amidst the compounded challenges of poverty, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Nature Under Pressure
Malanje, like other parts of Angola, is rich in natural resources. However, the pressures of a growing population, harmful agricultural practices, and reliance on natural resources for survival have led to significant environmental decline. Forests are being cut for charcoal and agricultural expansion, while bush burning to clear land is widespread, contributing to Angola’s ranking as one of the worst-affected countries globally by wildfires.
From 2001 to 2023, Angola lost 19.5 kha of tree cover to fires and 3.93 Mha to other drivers of deforestation, according to Global Forest Watch. This loss not only threatens the region’s biodiversity but also the livelihoods of rural communities who depend on the land for sustenance.
Community and Conservation in Harmony
At Wa’kaya, we believe that the key to addressing these challenges lies in community-led solutions. Our work in Malanje focuses on creating harmony between people and nature, ensuring that both can thrive together.
Our Approach:
- Education and Awareness:
We empower local communities with knowledge about the impact of deforestation, bush burning, and unsustainable practices. Through environmental education programs, we inspire individuals to become stewards of their land. - Sustainable Practices:
Wa’kaya introduces alternative livelihood programs, such as sustainable agroforestry and indigenous tree nurseries, reducing the dependence on harmful methods like slash-and-burn agriculture. - Reforestation Projects:
By planting trees and restoring habitats, Wa’kaya is working to bring life back to the land. This initiative also addresses climate change by capturing carbon and improving soil health. - Community Empowerment:
We engage with local leaders, youth, and families to build a shared vision for conservation. By involving the community at every step, we ensure that our projects are sustainable and culturally relevant.
A Future of Hope for Malanje
We are so thankful to already have been given support from many generous donors & collaborators.
