Malawi, a country with a total area of over 11.80 million hectares, has experienced significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with a recent fire incident reported in the Northern Region adding to the environmental challenges. The tree cover extent, which stands at approximately 1.50 million hectares, has seen a net change characterized by a loss of over 263,000 hectares and a gain of around 41,600 hectares, leading to a net loss of over 222,000 hectares, marking a 7.88% decrease in tree cover.
The predominant driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, contributing to the vast majority of the tree cover loss. The impact of forestry activities, while present, is considerably smaller in comparison. The data reveals a trend of increasing tree cover loss, with the most significant losses occurring in recent years. For instance, in 2021, the country lost over 16,500 hectares of tree cover, a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental degradation.
Explore country profileThe latest fire incident, occurring on November 7, 2024, is a single event but symbolizes the broader trend of environmental stress in the region. Such incidents, coupled with the historical trend of tree cover loss, underscore the urgency for sustainable land management practices in Malawi to mitigate further environmental impact.
