Zambia Faces Rising Wildfire Incidents as Tree Cover Declines by 7.30%

Zambia Faces Rising Wildfire Incidents as Tree Cover Declines by 7.30%

Zambia is witnessing a concerning trend with an increase in wildfire incidents, as highlighted by the latest alert from Central Province on August 19, 2026. Over the years, Zambia has experienced a 7.30% decline in tree cover, equating to a net loss of approximately 2.87 million hectares. The primary driver of this loss is shifting agriculture, which has consistently contributed to the reduction of tree cover. In 2025 alone, Zambia saw a significant tree cover loss of 277,032 hectares, with wildfires accounting for 0.85% of this loss. The ongoing deforestation and rising wildfire incidents pose a threat to Zambia's ecological balance and biodiversity. This situation calls for a deeper understanding of the underlying causes and potential solutions to mitigate further environmental degradation.