Research
The Trust is keen to support research into biodiversity, conservation, environmental or socio-economic issues that affect the Nyika National Park and the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. In November each year the Trust publishes a call for applications from postgraduate students and other qualified persons at universities or higher education institutions to carry out research into important management-related issues. Applications may also be made by suitably qualified independent researchers not attached to any institution. The next call will close on 25th January 2026.
A major criterion for selection is that topics should be on issues that are important or required for effective management, which can include baseline studies against which later monitoring can be done. The updated criteria are outlined in the NVT Research Grant Call.
Grants are intended to provide financial assistance towards a project and will not normally be expected to cover all the project costs. Click here to find details of how to apply for a Research Grant.
One of the conditions of NVT Research Grants is that a detailed report covering data collected and findings is prepared. These are then posted on the NVT website. A complete list of downloadable reports (pdf) prepared to date is given below under three broad headings, indicating author, topic and date published. For further details please contact the NVT Secretary.
1.Plants/Habitats
Banda – Habitat value of bracken on Nyika – 2024
Banda – Fire and bracken on Nyika – 2022
Gowero – Distribution of Lantana in Vwaza – 2022
Kanzunguze – Conservation of juniper on Nyika – 2022
Kanzunguze – Ecology of bracken on Nyika – 2019
Kanzunguze – Mapping bracken on Nyika – 2017
Kanzunguze – Survey of alien plants on Nyika – 2016
Lee – Edible orchids and trade on Nyika – 2020
Namoto – Edible orchids on Nyika – 2018
Sichinga – Mopane in Vwaza – 2021
Sichinga – Pine removal at Chelinda – 2017
Sichinga – Plant survey of Vwaza – 2019
Simkoko – African cherry on Nyika – 2021
2.Animals/Management
Galanou – Vultures and ecosystem on Nyika – 2017
Kambeza – Butterflies in Vwaza – 2023
M’manga – Honeyguides and honey-hunting in N Malawi – 2024
Sievert et al – Elephant pathways in Vwaza – 2022
Sungani et al – Aquatic invertebrates in Nyika & Vwaza – 2022
Van Velden – Bushmeat hunting in N Malawi – 2020
3.Human use/socio-economics/wildlife conflict
Galanou – Vultures and ecosystem on Nyika – 2017
Lee – Edible orchids and trade on Nyika – 2020
M’manga – Honeyguides and honey-hunting in N Malawi – 2024
M’manga – Honey-hunting community feedback – 2024
Sievert et al – Elephant pathways in Vwaza – 2022
Van Velden – Bushmeat hunting in N Malawi – 2020