A recent fire incident in the Boucle du Mouhoun Region of Burkina Faso underscores the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces, particularly related to shifting agriculture practices. Over the years, Burkina Faso has experienced significant tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture, which has been the dominant driver of deforestation. The country's tree cover extent is a mere 0.48% of its total land area, highlighting the critical state of its forest resources.
Analysis of historical data shows a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss, with a notable peak in 2001 where approximately 75% of the loss was attributed to shifting agriculture. Although there have been years with minimal to no tree cover loss, the overall trend indicates a persistent issue with land use change. The net change in tree cover reveals a loss of 151,938 hectares since records began, against a gain of 142,766 hectares, resulting in a net loss of 9,172 hectares. This equates to a 0.36% decrease in tree cover, a concerning figure for the country's environmental health.
Explore country profileThe latest fire alert, albeit a single incident, is a reminder of the vulnerability of Burkina Faso's landscape to wildfires, which can exacerbate the already critical situation of tree cover loss. As the country grapples with these environmental issues, the focus on sustainable land management practices becomes increasingly important to mitigate further loss and promote recovery of the natural ecosystem.
