Editing Hydrogeology of Malawi
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[[Africa Groundwater Atlas Home | Africa Groundwater Atlas]] >> [[Hydrogeology by country | Hydrogeology by country]] >> Hydrogeology of Malawi | [[Africa Groundwater Atlas Home | Africa Groundwater Atlas]] >> [[Hydrogeology by country | Hydrogeology by country]] >> Hydrogeology of Malawi | ||
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− | Malawi is one of the smallest countries in Africa, bordered entirely by other countries and to the east by Lake Malawi, which makes up about a third of Malawi’s area | + | Malawi is one of the smallest countries in Africa, bordered entirely by other countries and to the east by Lake Malawi, which makes up about a third of Malawi’s area. After independence in 1964 the country saw one-party state politics until 1994. Since then, Malawi has seen multi-party government, with occasional political and civil unrest. |
Malawi’s economy is based on agriculture, which accounts for over a third of GDP and 90% of export revenues. Agricultural exports are dominated by tobacco, tea and sugar, mostly from large commercial farms. Market liberalisation in the 1990s saw more smallholder farmers enter agricultural markets. Smallholder, mostly rainfed, agricultural production, particularly of maize, is a majority livelihood activity. In recent years Malawi has granted licenses for hydrocarbon exploration in the East African Rift Valley, including Lake Malawi, but to date there are no proven hydrocarbon reserves. | Malawi’s economy is based on agriculture, which accounts for over a third of GDP and 90% of export revenues. Agricultural exports are dominated by tobacco, tea and sugar, mostly from large commercial farms. Market liberalisation in the 1990s saw more smallholder farmers enter agricultural markets. Smallholder, mostly rainfed, agricultural production, particularly of maize, is a majority livelihood activity. In recent years Malawi has granted licenses for hydrocarbon exploration in the East African Rift Valley, including Lake Malawi, but to date there are no proven hydrocarbon reserves. | ||
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The next largest lake in Malawi is Lake Chilwa, which forms an internal drainage basin and mainly drains the northern uplands. Rivers flowing into the Chilwa basin tend to be ephemeral in their lower courses, losing water to permeable valley alluvial deposits. | The next largest lake in Malawi is Lake Chilwa, which forms an internal drainage basin and mainly drains the northern uplands. Rivers flowing into the Chilwa basin tend to be ephemeral in their lower courses, losing water to permeable valley alluvial deposits. | ||
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|Freshwater withdrawal as % of total renewable water resources || || ||7.853 || || | |Freshwater withdrawal as % of total renewable water resources || || ||7.853 || || | ||
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− | | | + | |Renewable groundwater resources (Million cubic metres/year) || No data || No data || No data || No data || No data |
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|Groundwater produced internally (Million cubic metres/year) || || || ||2,500 || | |Groundwater produced internally (Million cubic metres/year) || || || ||2,500 || | ||
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The geology map on this page shows a simplified version of the geology at a national scale (see the [[Geology | Geology resource page]] for more details). | The geology map on this page shows a simplified version of the geology at a national scale (see the [[Geology | Geology resource page]] for more details). | ||
− | + | [[File:Malawi_Geology2.png | center | thumb| 500px | Geology of Malawi at 1:5 million scale. Developed from USGS map (Persits et al. 2002). For more information on the map development and datasets see the [[Geology | geology resource page]].]] | |
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===Summary=== | ===Summary=== | ||
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The hydrogeology map on this page shows a simplified overview of the type and productivity of the main aquifers at a national scale (see the [[Hydrogeology Map | Hydrogeology map resource page]] for more details). | The hydrogeology map on this page shows a simplified overview of the type and productivity of the main aquifers at a national scale (see the [[Hydrogeology Map | Hydrogeology map resource page]] for more details). | ||
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Malawi is also covered by the SADC hydrogeological map and atlas (2010), available through the [https://ggis.un-igrac.org/ggis-viewer/viewer/sadcgip/public/default SADC Groundwater Information Portal]. | Malawi is also covered by the SADC hydrogeological map and atlas (2010), available through the [https://ggis.un-igrac.org/ggis-viewer/viewer/sadcgip/public/default SADC Groundwater Information Portal]. | ||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Malawi_Hydrogeology2.png | center | thumb| 500px | Hydrogeology of Malawi at 1:5 million scale. For more information on how the map was developed see the [[Hydrogeology Map | Hydrogeology map]] resource page]]. |
===Summary=== | ===Summary=== | ||
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==Groundwater Status== | ==Groundwater Status== | ||
− | + | The natural quality of groundwater in Malawi is highly dependent on aquifer lithology, and is highly variable spatially. Nationally, groundwater is generally suitable for drinking (Chavula 2012). Groundwater in alluvial aquifers is generally more mineralised than that in basement aquifers, and a number of boreholes in alluvial aquifers have been abandoned due to high salinity (Chavula 2012). Chemical parameters that are elevated in different areas include fluoride, sulphate, iron, chloride and nitrate. Fluoride concentrations of more than 1.5 mg/l are common in groundwater in alluvial aquifers in the Salima/Nkhotakota and Karonga lakeshore areas (Chavula 2012). | |
− | + | Generally, groundwater from boreholes is of better microbiological quality than groundwater from dug wells, which tend to be more vulnerable to contamination (Chavula 2012). Research on shallow wells in southern Malawi in 2008 and in northern Malawi in 2013 showed unacceptably high levels of microbiological contaminants in shallow wells (Msilimba and Wanda 2013, Pritchard et al. 2008). | |
− | + | Overviews of groundwater quality in Malawi can be seen in Bath (1980), BGS (2004), and Water Department/UNDP (1986) (see hydrogeology reference list, below). | |
− | ==Groundwater use | + | ==Groundwater use and management== |
=== Groundwater use=== | === Groundwater use=== | ||
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Boreholes fitted with hand pumps are standard for rural groundwater supplies. The use of motorised pumps is widespread, particularly by farmers; and treadle pumps are becoming more widely used. Recent droughts may have contributed to changing preferences for boreholes rather than hand-dug wells. | Boreholes fitted with hand pumps are standard for rural groundwater supplies. The use of motorised pumps is widespread, particularly by farmers; and treadle pumps are becoming more widely used. Recent droughts may have contributed to changing preferences for boreholes rather than hand-dug wells. | ||
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=== Groundwater management=== | === Groundwater management=== | ||
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The Water Resources Act of 1969 was replaced by the Water Resources Act of 2013. Part of the new Act was to establish the National Water Resources Authority. Since 2013, there has been ongoing development and reorganisation within government agencies concerning how groundwater, and other water, resources are managed. | The Water Resources Act of 1969 was replaced by the Water Resources Act of 2013. Part of the new Act was to establish the National Water Resources Authority. Since 2013, there has been ongoing development and reorganisation within government agencies concerning how groundwater, and other water, resources are managed. | ||
− | The Ministry responsible for water resource affairs, including groundwater, is currently the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development. Within | + | The Ministry responsible for water resource affairs, including groundwater, is currently the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development. Within this Ministry, the Departments of Water Resources and Water Supply are responsible for groundwater development policy. The Department of Water Resources currently has three sections: the Groundwater Division, Surface Water Division, and Water Quality section. Formerly, the Water Resources Board formed a fourth section within the Ministry, but under the Water Resources Act of 2013 this has now been replaced by the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), an autonomous government sponsored body. The NWRA have taken over the roles of the former Water Resources Board, and will eventually assume other roles carried out currently by the other sections of the Water Resources Department. The responsibilities of the NWRA include (but are not limited to) the following: |
- developing principles, guidelines and procedures for the allocation of water resources; | - developing principles, guidelines and procedures for the allocation of water resources; | ||
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- coordinating the preparation and implementation of a water action plan. | - coordinating the preparation and implementation of a water action plan. | ||
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The Groundwater Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development formerly is currently responsible for groundwater management, including management of groundwater data, and assisting with assessment of groundwater abstraction applications; while the responsibility for operating and maintaining boreholes lies with the Water Supply department (Chavula 2012). | The Groundwater Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development formerly is currently responsible for groundwater management, including management of groundwater data, and assisting with assessment of groundwater abstraction applications; while the responsibility for operating and maintaining boreholes lies with the Water Supply department (Chavula 2012). | ||
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The NWRA works alongside the Shire River Basin Management Board, which is a pilot board created under a World Bank project, the Shire River Basin Management Programme. Ultimately, the aim is that the NWRA will oversee river basin / catchment management authorities or boards across the country, based on the major river basins. | The NWRA works alongside the Shire River Basin Management Board, which is a pilot board created under a World Bank project, the Shire River Basin Management Programme. Ultimately, the aim is that the NWRA will oversee river basin / catchment management authorities or boards across the country, based on the major river basins. | ||
− | + | In much of the country, the practical development of groundwater resources is currently dominantly carried out by NGOs, the donor community and the private sector, in collaboration with the NWRA and the Ministry Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development (Chavula 2012). | |
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− | In much of the country, the practical development of groundwater resources is currently dominantly carried out by NGOs, the donor community and the private sector, in collaboration with the NWRA and the Ministry | ||
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===Groundwater monitoring=== | ===Groundwater monitoring=== | ||
− | + | Groundwater level monitoring is being carried out across a network of approximately 30 boreholes across the country, assisted by the use of automatic water level monitors. Some groundwater quality monitoring is also taking place. The monitoring network is currently being upgraded as part of a World Bank funded project on national hydrogeological and water quality mapping. | |
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− | Some groundwater quality monitoring is also | ||
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=== Transboundary aquifers=== | === Transboundary aquifers=== | ||
For further information about transboundary aquifers, please see the [[Transboundary aquifers | Transboundary aquifers resources page]] | For further information about transboundary aquifers, please see the [[Transboundary aquifers | Transboundary aquifers resources page]] | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
− | The following references provide more information on the geology and hydrogeology of Malawi. These, and others, can be accessed through the [ | + | The following references provide more information on the geology and hydrogeology of Malawi. These, and others, can be accessed through the [http://www.bgs.ac.uk/africagroundwateratlas/searchResults.cfm?title_search=&author_search=&category_search=&country_search=MW&placeboolean=AND&singlecountry=1 Africa Groundwater Literature Archive]. |
+ | ===Online resources=== | ||
[https://ggis.un-igrac.org/ggis-viewer/viewer/sadcgip/public/default SADC Groundwater Information Portal] | [https://ggis.un-igrac.org/ggis-viewer/viewer/sadcgip/public/default SADC Groundwater Information Portal] | ||
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+ | ===Geology: key references=== | ||
− | + | Smith-Carington AK and Chilton PJ. 1983. [https://www.bgs.ac.uk/africaGroundwaterAtlas/atlas.cfc?method=ViewDetails&id=MW1188 Groundwater resources of Malawi]. Department of Lands, Valuation and Water; Republic of Malawi, Lilongwe. | |
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+ | ===Hydrogeology: key references=== | ||
Bath AH. 1980. [http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/505535/ Hydrochemistry in groundwater development: report on an advisory visit to Malawi]. British Geological Survey Report WD/OS/80/20. | Bath AH. 1980. [http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/505535/ Hydrochemistry in groundwater development: report on an advisory visit to Malawi]. British Geological Survey Report WD/OS/80/20. | ||
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Chowns E. 2015. [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pad.1737/abstract Is community management an efficient and effective model of public service delivery? Lessons from the rural water supply sector in Malawi]. Public Administration and Development, 35(4), 263-276. | Chowns E. 2015. [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pad.1737/abstract Is community management an efficient and effective model of public service delivery? Lessons from the rural water supply sector in Malawi]. Public Administration and Development, 35(4), 263-276. | ||
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Jimu IM. 2008. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474706508001629 The role of stakeholders in the provision and management of water kiosks in Nkolokoti, Blantyre (Malawi)]. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 33(8), 833-840. | Jimu IM. 2008. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474706508001629 The role of stakeholders in the provision and management of water kiosks in Nkolokoti, Blantyre (Malawi)]. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 33(8), 833-840. | ||
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Kamwamba‐Mtethiwa J, Namara R, De Fraiture C, Mangisoni J & Owusu E. 2012. [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ird.1665/abstract Treadle pump irrigation in Malawi: Adoption, gender and benefits]. Irrigation and Drainage, 61(5), 583-595. | Kamwamba‐Mtethiwa J, Namara R, De Fraiture C, Mangisoni J & Owusu E. 2012. [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ird.1665/abstract Treadle pump irrigation in Malawi: Adoption, gender and benefits]. Irrigation and Drainage, 61(5), 583-595. | ||
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Mangisoni JH. 2008. [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3763/ijas.2008.0306?journalCode=tags20 Impact of treadle pump irrigation technology on smallholder poverty and food security in Malawi: a case study of Blantyre and Mchinji districts]. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 6:4, 248-266 | Mangisoni JH. 2008. [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3763/ijas.2008.0306?journalCode=tags20 Impact of treadle pump irrigation technology on smallholder poverty and food security in Malawi: a case study of Blantyre and Mchinji districts]. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 6:4, 248-266 | ||
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Ministry of Water Development and Irrigation. 2012. [http://www.300in6.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/10.-Irrigation-Water-Sanitation-Sector-Performance-Report-by-GoM-20121.pdf Malawi Sector Performance Report 2011: Irrigation, Water and Sanitation]. Final Report, June 2012. | Ministry of Water Development and Irrigation. 2012. [http://www.300in6.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/10.-Irrigation-Water-Sanitation-Sector-Performance-Report-by-GoM-20121.pdf Malawi Sector Performance Report 2011: Irrigation, Water and Sanitation]. Final Report, June 2012. | ||
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Msilimba G & Wanda EM. 2013. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474706513000867 Microbial and geochemical quality of shallow well water in high-density areas in Mzuzu City in Malawi]. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 66, 173-180 | Msilimba G & Wanda EM. 2013. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474706513000867 Microbial and geochemical quality of shallow well water in high-density areas in Mzuzu City in Malawi]. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 66, 173-180 | ||
Mzembe CP. 1992. [http://dlc.dlib.indiana.edu/dlc/bitstream/handle/10535/4645/Wetland%20development%20and%20management%20in%20malawi.pdf?sequence=1 Wetland development and management in Malawi]. Irrigation Management Network Paper. | Mzembe CP. 1992. [http://dlc.dlib.indiana.edu/dlc/bitstream/handle/10535/4645/Wetland%20development%20and%20management%20in%20malawi.pdf?sequence=1 Wetland development and management in Malawi]. Irrigation Management Network Paper. | ||
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Pritchard M, Mkandawire T, & O’Neill JG. 2008. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474706508001599 Assessment of groundwater quality in shallow wells within the southern districts of Malawi]. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 33(8), 812-823. | Pritchard M, Mkandawire T, & O’Neill JG. 2008. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474706508001599 Assessment of groundwater quality in shallow wells within the southern districts of Malawi]. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 33(8), 812-823. | ||
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RWSN. 2014. [http://www.rural-water-supply.net/en/resources/details/743 Water Point Mapping and Monitoring Series. A Decade of WPM]. | RWSN. 2014. [http://www.rural-water-supply.net/en/resources/details/743 Water Point Mapping and Monitoring Series. A Decade of WPM]. | ||
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Smith-Carington AK and Chilton PJ. 1983. [https://www.bgs.ac.uk/africaGroundwaterAtlas/atlas.cfc?method=ViewDetails&id=MW1188 Groundwater resources of Malawi]. Department of Lands, Valuation and Water; Republic of Malawi, Lilongwe. | Smith-Carington AK and Chilton PJ. 1983. [https://www.bgs.ac.uk/africaGroundwaterAtlas/atlas.cfc?method=ViewDetails&id=MW1188 Groundwater resources of Malawi]. Department of Lands, Valuation and Water; Republic of Malawi, Lilongwe. | ||
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UN. 1989. Malawi: Ground water in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. Natural Resources/Water Series No. 19, ST/TCD/6. United Nations Department of Technical Cooperation for Development. | UN. 1989. Malawi: Ground water in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. Natural Resources/Water Series No. 19, ST/TCD/6. United Nations Department of Technical Cooperation for Development. | ||
− | + | Water Department/UNDP. 1986. [https://wedc-knowledge.lboro.ac.uk/search.html?q=author%3A%22Malawi,+Department+of+Water%22 National Water Resources Master Plan]. Malawi Government. NOTE this was replaced by an updated version, compiled by JICA, 2014. | |
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− | Water Department/UNDP. 1986. [https://wedc-knowledge.lboro.ac.uk/search.html?q=author%3A%22Malawi,+Department+of+Water%22 National Water Resources Master Plan]. Malawi Government. | ||
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− | Return to the index pages | + | ==Return to the index pages== |
− | [[Overview of Africa Groundwater Atlas | Africa Groundwater Atlas]] >> [[Hydrogeology by country | Hydrogeology by country]] | + | [[Overview of Africa Groundwater Atlas | Africa Groundwater Atlas]] >> [[Hydrogeology by country | Hydrogeology by country]] >> Hydrogeology of Malawi |