Chad Grapples with Environmental Challenges as Tree Cover Loss Persists

Chad Grapples with Environmental Challenges as Tree Cover Loss Persists

Chad, a country with a land area of over 126 million hectares, has been facing significant environmental challenges as indicated by recent data on tree cover loss. Despite having a tree cover extent of approximately 409,749 hectares, the country has experienced a consistent decline in tree cover over the years. The primary driver of this loss has been identified as shifting agriculture, which has been responsible for the vast majority of the tree cover reduction.

Over the past two decades, the cumulative effect of these losses has been substantial. The net change in tree cover reveals a loss of over 1.10 million hectares, with a gain of just over 256,000 hectares, leading to a net negative change of approximately 844,000 hectares. This represents a 7.83% decrease in tree cover, underscoring the significant impact of human activity on Chad's natural environment.