Tanzania has experienced a substantial decline in tree cover over the past two decades, with a net loss of 3,816,929 hectares, marking an 11.30% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture has been identified as the primary driver of this loss, responsible for the vast majority of the deforestation. The data reveals a consistent pattern of tree cover loss attributed to agricultural practices, with a minor contribution from urbanization, forestry, and wildfires.
The most recent incident in the Iringa Region of Tanzania, recorded on November 7, 2024, adds to the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. While the number of incidents is relatively low, the cumulative effect of these losses has significant implications for the country's biodiversity, climate, and local communities.
Explore country profileThe overall trend indicates a pressing need for sustainable land management practices to address the root causes of deforestation. The loss of tree cover not only impacts the local ecosystems but also contributes to global environmental concerns such as habitat destruction and climate change. The situation in Tanzania serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between land use and conservation.
