Zambia, a nation with a land area of over 75 million hectares, has been experiencing a significant decline in its tree cover. Over the years, the country has seen a net loss of approximately 2.87 million hectares of tree cover, equating to a 7.30% decrease from its original extent. This loss has been primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which has consistently been the leading cause of deforestation.
The data reveals that shifting agriculture accounted for the vast majority of tree cover loss, with the total area affected by this practice amounting to millions of hectares over the years. In contrast, other factors such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization have contributed to a much lesser extent. The impact of wildfires, while not as extensive as shifting agriculture, has also been a notable factor, with incidents occurring regularly, including a recent alert in the Central Province of Zambia.
Explore country profileThe trend of tree cover loss in Zambia is alarming, considering the country's significant tree cover extent of over 24 million hectares. The continuous reduction of this natural resource has implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of local communities. The data underscores the need for sustainable land management practices that can balance agricultural needs with environmental conservation.
