In Ethiopia, a concerning trend of tree cover loss has been observed, with significant environmental impacts. Over two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of approximately 738,330 hectares of tree cover, a decline of 3.61%. The primary drivers of this loss are shifting agriculture and urbanization, which together account for the vast majority of the decrease.
Shifting agriculture, in particular, has been the predominant factor, with the latest data indicating that it was responsible for over 96% of the tree cover loss in 2022. Urbanization, while less significant in terms of area, still contributes notably to the overall reduction. Notably, incidents of wildfires, which can also be a major cause of tree cover loss, have been recorded, with the latest alert coming from the Benishangul-Gumuz region.
Explore country profileThis loss of tree cover has far-reaching implications for Ethiopia's ecosystem, including biodiversity loss and soil degradation. Moreover, the loss contributes to increased carbon emissions, which exacerbate climate change. The data underscores the need for a balanced approach to land management that supports both development and environmental conservation.
