Zambia has witnessed a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades, with the latest incident reported on August 24, 2024, in the Southern Province. The country, with an area of over 75 million hectares, has seen its tree cover extent reduced to approximately 24 million hectares. Analysis of historical data reveals that the predominant driver of tree cover loss has been shifting agriculture, contributing to an overwhelming majority of the decline. This practice alone accounted for a staggering 97% of the total loss in 2022, highlighting its profound impact on the environment.
The net change in tree cover shows a worrying trend, with a net loss of over 2.80 million hectares, which constitutes a 7.30% decrease from the stable tree cover. While there has been some gain, the rate of loss far exceeds that of recovery. Urbanization, although less significant than shifting agriculture, has also contributed to the loss, with recent years showing a slight increase in its impact.
Explore country profileThe single fire incident recorded in the Southern Province is part of a broader pattern of environmental disturbance, which includes a total of over 1.50 million hectares affected. With the loss of tree cover comes the loss of vital ecosystems, increased carbon emissions, and a threat to biodiversity. The situation in Zambia serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between land use and environmental conservation.
