Zimbabwe's Forests Under Threat: A Look at the Alarming Trends in Tree Cover Loss

Zimbabwe's Forests Under Threat: A Look at the Alarming Trends in Tree Cover Loss

Zimbabwe has been facing a significant challenge in preserving its forests. With an area of over 39 million hectares, the country's tree cover extent stands at approximately 1.40 million hectares. However, data reveals a disturbing trend of tree cover loss over the years, with various drivers contributing to this decline. Shifting agriculture and forestry have been the leading causes, with the former accounting for a substantial percentage of the loss. For instance, in 2022, shifting agriculture was responsible for over 61% of the tree cover loss, while forestry contributed to around 35%.

The impact of these activities is evident in the net change in tree cover. Over the years, Zimbabwe has experienced a net loss of approximately 398,438 hectares, which is a 5.91% decrease from the stable tree cover. This loss not only affects the natural landscape but also has broader implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and local communities.