Tanzania has faced a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident reported on November 9, 2024, in the Singida Region. The country's tree cover extent, which spans over 26 million hectares, has experienced a net loss of 4.37 million hectares, marking an 11.30% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of this loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation.
The data reveals a worrying trend, with the highest annual tree cover loss reaching nearly 200,000 hectares in 2014. Although there has been some gain, the net loss indicates a persistent decline in tree cover. The impact of this loss is not only ecological but also significant in terms of carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere.
Explore country profileThe recent fire alert in Singida is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to Tanzania's forests, which include not only shifting agriculture and forestry practices but also wildfires and urbanization. These incidents highlight the urgent need for strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and protect the remaining forests for their vital role in biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well-being of local communities.
