Nigeria has faced significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with a recent incident highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges. On November 5, 2024, a fire alert was registered in the Borno region, contributing to the country's struggle with deforestation and land use changes. Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation. Urbanization has also played a role, though to a lesser extent.
The country has seen a net loss in tree cover, which has decreased by approximately 6.07% over the years. Despite some gains in tree cover, the losses have been substantial, with the latest figures showing a loss of over 2.39 million hectares and a net negative change of around 1.47 million hectares. This loss of tree cover not only affects biodiversity and ecosystems but also has significant implications for carbon emissions, as the lost vegetation represents a considerable amount of carbon that would have been sequestered.
Explore country profileThe fire incident in Borno is a stark reminder of the environmental issues Nigeria faces. With the majority of tree cover loss attributed to shifting agriculture, it's clear that sustainable land management practices are needed to curb the negative impacts on the country's natural resources.
