Zambia Faces Increasing Wildfire Incidents: A 7% Decline in Tree Cover Over Time

Zambia Faces Increasing Wildfire Incidents: A 7% Decline in Tree Cover Over Time

Zambia's Western Province recently experienced a wildfire incident on October 19, 2026, highlighting a growing concern for the region. Over the years, Zambia has seen a significant decline in its tree cover, with a net change of -7.31%. This decline is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, urbanization, and wildfires. The data reveals that shifting agriculture accounts for the majority of tree cover loss, contributing to over 80% of the total loss. Urbanization and wildfires also play a role, albeit to a lesser extent. The latest incident in Western Province underscores the urgent need for discussions around sustainable land management and environmental conservation to address these challenges effectively.