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.
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