Tanzania Witnesses Significant Tree Cover Loss Over Two Decades

Tanzania Witnesses Significant Tree Cover Loss Over Two Decades

Tanzania has experienced a substantial decline in tree cover over the past two decades, with a net loss of 4,374,164.77 hectares, which constitutes an 11.30% decrease from the original tree cover extent. The most significant driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of the tree cover reduction. Forestry activities, wildfires, and urbanization also contributed to the decline, albeit to a lesser extent. The latest incident report from the Singida Region indicates a continuing trend, with a new fire alert recorded on September 9, 2024. This loss of tree cover not only impacts the local ecosystems but also has broader implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and community livelihoods. The trend underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management practices in the region.