Côte d'Ivoire Faces Critical Tree Cover Loss; Shifting Agriculture Major Culprit

Côte d'Ivoire Faces Critical Tree Cover Loss; Shifting Agriculture Major Culprit

Côte d'Ivoire has experienced significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with shifting agriculture being the primary driver. The country, which boasts an area of over 32 million hectares, has seen a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 1.65 million hectares, marking a 6.94% change. This loss is a substantial portion of the country's total tree cover extent of nearly 14.90 million hectares.

The data reveals a consistent pattern of tree cover loss, with shifting agriculture accounting for the vast majority of this decline. For instance, in 2022 alone, shifting agriculture was responsible for over 97% of the tree cover loss. Urbanization, while a much smaller factor, has also contributed to the diminishing tree canopy.