Environmental journalists in Malawi have urged the government to stop intimidating them and respect their right to reporting while they cover stories.
James Chavula, an environmental journalist and the Deputy Secretary General of the Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi, blames corrupt government officials who only care about self satisfaction rather than serving the public interest.
He added that many journalists in Malawi fear covering the environment because it is associated with “big” people in the country.
He said that there is need to create safety awareness among journalists in order to have successful environmental reporting." As journalists we need to safeguard ourselves and go for news, personally I hate being in the news room, big stories happen in the field" Chavula said.
Chavula says that journalists are part of the government and not against it, and that their work is to inform and transform. He therefore requested all government officials and responsible people to stop the attacks on journalists.

In a report released last year, The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) - Malawi condemned the growing trend of government intimidation and harassment of `journalists. The International Press Institute (IPI) added a voice to the same in their report about (entitled) “Climate and Environmental Journalism Under Fire.” which was released this year in February.
However, even in 2024, Malawi is increasingly becoming a dangerous place for environmental journalists.

According to the Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi (AEJ), at least 15 journalists have been harassed while reporting on environmental stories since 2020.
Environmental and climate journalists shed light on corrupt practices and illegal activities linked to environmentally harmful businesses and disclose the vested interests that support polluting industries. They report on state authorities who enable or tolerate these practices. And they expose those who sow disinformation and doubt about the science behind climate change and profit from the resulting polarization, among other topics. Yet this crucial journalism is at risk. International Press Institute –report

According to USAID, achieving sustainable economic growth and food security is inextricably linked to climate change. Malawi faces continued challenges of deforestation, constrained water resources, declining fisheries, limited institutional capacity to manage natural resources, and farming practices that lead to soil erosion and reduced fertility, among others. A scarcity of land resources, extreme poverty, and a rapidly growing population largely dependent on natural resources for subsistence compound these challenges. Heavier but less predictable rains, hot spells, and extended dry periods all contribute to making farmers' decisions regarding planting and harvesting more difficult.

Addressing the global climate and environmental crisis requires accurate, independent, and accessible journalism that can inform the public debate, clearly highlight the public interest, and protect those most affected by this crisis.