In a recent assessment of Tanzania's environmental landscape, data indicates a significant transformation due to various factors, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of 3,816,929 hectares in tree cover, which equates to an 11.30% decrease from its original extent. This loss is juxtaposed against a minor gain of 557,236 hectares, which fails to offset the impact of the disturbances.
Shifting agriculture alone accounts for a staggering majority of the tree cover loss, contributing to over 90% of the total deforestation in the country. Other factors such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization also play roles but to a much lesser extent. Wildfires, while not the leading cause, have had a noticeable effect on the environment, with the latest incident being reported in the Dodoma Region of Tanzania.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these factors has not only altered the physical landscape but has also led to significant emissions of CO2, with the total gross emissions reaching into the billions of megagrams. The environmental changes in Tanzania are a stark reminder of the delicate balance between land use and conservation, and the long-term implications of these changes on the ecosystem and climate.
