Zimbabwe Battles Tree Cover Loss as Midlands Province Reports Latest Fire Incident

Zimbabwe Battles Tree Cover Loss as Midlands Province Reports Latest Fire Incident

Zimbabwe has faced a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the years, with the latest incident reported in the Midlands Province. The country, which spans over 39 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 1.40 million hectares. However, it has experienced a net loss of tree cover amounting to nearly 400,000 hectares, marking a 5.91% change in its tree cover landscape.

The primary drivers of tree cover loss have been shifting agriculture and forestry activities, contributing to the majority of the deforestation. Wildfires and urbanization also play a role but to a lesser extent. Over the past two decades, shifting agriculture has been responsible for the loss of thousands of hectares of tree cover, with forestry activities closely following.