Zambia, a nation with a vast land area of approximately 75 million hectares, is experiencing significant environmental challenges. Recent data highlights a concerning trend: a net decrease of 7.31% in tree cover, equivalent to a loss of over 2.87 million hectares. This decline is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the majority of tree cover loss.
In addition to agricultural impacts, wildfires have emerged as a notable threat. The latest incident in Luapula Province on September 9, 2026, underscores the growing frequency of such events. Over the years, wildfires have contributed to tree cover loss, although they represent a smaller percentage compared to agricultural activities.
The cumulative effect of these factors is a significant reduction in Zambia's tree cover, which poses ecological and economic challenges. The ongoing loss of tree cover highlights the need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate further environmental degradation.