Shifting agriculture alone has led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of hectares each year, with the highest recorded loss in 2017 at over 490,000 hectares. Although other factors such as forestry and wildfires contribute to this loss, their impact pales in comparison to that of shifting cultivation.
The data reveals a disturbing trend that not only threatens the environment but also the way of life for many Malagasy people who depend on the forest for their livelihoods. The net change in tree cover indicates a loss that far exceeds gains from reforestation efforts, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices.
As Madagascar continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the focus on preserving its remaining forests becomes increasingly critical for the country's ecological and economic future.
