Tanzania's natural landscapes are facing a significant challenge as data reveals a continuous rise in tree cover loss, primarily driven by shifting agriculture and exacerbated by wildfires and urbanization. Over two decades, the country has experienced a net decrease in tree cover of 11.30%, with a total loss of over 4.37 million hectares. Shifting agriculture remains the leading cause of deforestation, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover loss and associated emissions.
The latest incident report from the Dodoma Region underscores the ongoing threat of wildfires to the country's biodiversity and ecosystems. Although the number of fire incidents recorded was minimal, the potential for escalation remains a concern, given the historical trend of wildfires contributing to the country's tree cover loss.
Explore country profileTanzania's tree cover extent, which once spanned over 26 million hectares, has been significantly impacted, with the net change in tree cover reflecting both the loss and the smaller-scale gains from reforestation efforts. The country's struggle with deforestation highlights the need for a broader discussion on sustainable land use and conservation strategies to mitigate further environmental degradation.
