Zambia Faces Increasing Wildfire Incidents: A 7% Decline in Tree Cover Over Time

Zambia Faces Increasing Wildfire Incidents: A 7% Decline in Tree Cover Over Time

Zambia is witnessing a concerning trend in its environmental landscape, marked by an increase in wildfire incidents and a significant decline in tree cover. The latest incident was reported on October 17, 2026, in Copperbelt Province. Over the years, Zambia has experienced a 7.30% decrease in tree cover, translating to a net loss of approximately 2.87 million hectares. This decline is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the majority of the tree cover loss. Wildfires, although contributing a smaller percentage, have shown a notable presence, with recent years indicating an uptick in occurrences. Urbanization also plays a role, albeit to a lesser extent. As Zambia continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the impact on biodiversity and climate resilience becomes increasingly apparent, urging a need for a broader discussion on sustainable land management practices.