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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/as.2025.06.002

Linthipe River Ecosystem: Unveiling Economic Dimensions for Sustainable Conservation and Livelihoods in Malawi

Gladys Chigamba1,2,*, William Kholongso3

1AquaFish Centre of Excellency, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe, P. O. Box 219, Malawi.

2Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Lilongwe, P. O. Box 593, Malawi.

3Green Innovation Center, Lilongwe, P. O. Box 338, Malawi.

*Corresponding author:Gladys Chigamba

Published: July 28,2025

Abstract

Rivers worldwide often lack well-documented economic valuations, which are crucial for persuading riparian countries and users to manage aquatic resources more effectively. The Linthipe River, a major tributary of Lake Malawi in the East African Rift Valley, delivers vital ecosystem services of significant economic value. This study quantified the benefits derived from the Linthipe River's aquatic resources using data from 391 households (74% male, 26% female) surveyed between October 2019 and July 2020. Data collection involved household questionnaires, document reviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and the Willingness to Pay (WTP) method. The Gross Financial Value (GFV) of direct-use services was estimated at US$16,172.08, while non-use services, valued through the Payout Level (PoL) for WTP, amounted to US$100,140.30. This resulted in a Total Economic Value of US$116,312.38 for the river's goods and services. These findings underscore the Linthipe River's essential role in supporting local livelihoods and emphasize the need for enhanced management of Rift Valley rivers.

Keywords

Ecosystem services; Goods and services; Payout level; Use and non-use values; Willingness to pay

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How to cite this paper

Linthipe River Ecosystem: Unveiling Economic Dimensions for Sustainable Conservation and Livelihoods in Malawi

How to cite this paper: Gladys Chigamba, William Kholongso. (2025). Linthipe River Ecosystem: Unveiling Economic Dimensions for Sustainable Conservation and Livelihoods in Malawi. Advance in Sustainability5(1), 10-17.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/as.2025.06.002