Ethiopia's Tree Cover Under Threat: A Look at the Impact of Shifting Agriculture and Wildfires

Ethiopia's Tree Cover Under Threat: A Look at the Impact of Shifting Agriculture and Wildfires

Ethiopia's rich tapestry of forests is facing a critical challenge, with recent data indicating a troubling trend in tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of approximately 738,331 hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 3.61% decrease from its initial extent. This decline is largely attributed to shifting agriculture, which has consistently been the primary driver of deforestation, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover loss each year.

The impact of shifting agriculture is stark, with an overwhelming percentage of tree cover loss tied to this practice. In 2023 alone, shifting agriculture was responsible for a staggering 97.90% of the total tree cover loss. Urbanization, although contributing to a lesser extent, has also been a consistent factor over the years. Wildfires, while not the leading cause, have nonetheless played a significant role, with incidents such as the recent fire alert in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples region of Ethiopia highlighting the ongoing threat to the country's forests.