Research
NVT supports two research programmes – the Research Co-ordinator at the Nyika Vwaza Co- Management Trust (NVCMT) and Research Grants.
Research Co-ordinator
In 2023 the Government of Malawi and Peace Parks Foundation signed a Co-Management Agreement to set up a Trust to manage the Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve. The Trust’s senior management team includes a Research Co-ordinator. NVT has agreed to fund this position from April 2024 to March 2027.
Research Grants
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 2027.
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