Malawi has witnessed a single fire incident in its Northern Region as of August 5, 2024, a stark contrast to the broader environmental issues the country has faced over the years. With an area of approximately 11.80 million hectares, Malawi's tree cover extends over roughly 1.50 million hectares. However, the nation has experienced a net loss in tree cover, which has declined by approximately 7.88% over the past two decades. Shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of this loss, responsible for the vast majority of the tree cover reduction and associated CO2 emissions.
The data reveals a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in tree cover loss, with significant peaks in certain years. For instance, 2014 saw the highest recorded loss at over 18,500 hectares. The impact of forestry activities, while less pronounced than agriculture, has also contributed to the overall decline. The cumulative effect of these losses has resulted in a net negative change in tree cover, indicating a pressing need for sustainable land management practices.
Explore country profileThe recent fire incident, though isolated, serves as a reminder of the ongoing environmental pressures facing Malawi. As the country grapples with the dual challenges of land use change and natural disturbances, the sustainability of its forests and the well-being of its ecosystems hang in the balance.
