Zimbabwe has experienced a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades, with a net loss of approximately 398,438 hectares, marking a 5.91% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture and forestry activities have been the primary drivers of this loss, contributing to over 50% of the total tree cover loss. The most recent incident in Masvingo Province, where a fire alert was recorded on July 28, 2024, is a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces.
The data reveals that shifting agriculture alone is responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss, with forestry activities also playing a significant role. Wildfires and urbanization, although contributing to a lesser extent, still add to the overall decline in tree cover. This loss has not only ecological consequences but also affects the carbon sequestration potential of the region, as evidenced by the millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions associated with tree cover loss.
Explore country profileThe trend of tree cover loss in Zimbabwe highlights the need for sustainable land management practices and the importance of balancing agricultural development with environmental conservation. The country's rich biodiversity and natural resources are at risk if these trends continue, calling for a broader discussion on how to address the underlying causes of deforestation and forest degradation.
