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31 Dec 2024

Cameroon Grapples with Tree Cover Loss Amidst Rising Shifting Agriculture
Cameroon Grapples with Tree Cover Loss Amidst Rising Shifting Agriculture

In the lush landscapes of Cameroon, a concerning trend has emerged: significant tree cover loss primarily due to shifting agriculture. Over the past two decades, this Central African nation has seen a consistent decline in its forested areas, with shifting agriculture accounting for the vast majority of tree cover loss. The data reveals that from 2001 to 2022, Cameroon experienced a net loss of approximately 626,000 hectares of tree cover, marking a -1.71% change in its forest landscape.

The most substantial loss occurred in 2014, with over 181,000 hectares affected, while the latest available data from 2022 indicates a loss of nearly 148,000 hectares. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver, contributing to over 95% of the total deforestation in recent years. This practice, while a traditional farming method, has significant implications for the environment, leading to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

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The impact of these losses is not confined to environmental concerns alone. The depletion of tree cover also threatens the livelihoods of local communities who depend on the forest for resources and ecosystem services. The recent incident in the East Region of Cameroon, where a fire alert was recorded, underscores the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing its natural resources.

As Cameroon continues to confront these environmental challenges, the focus on sustainable land use and forest management becomes increasingly crucial. The data paints a clear picture: without concerted efforts to address the root causes of deforestation, the nation's forested areas and the benefits they provide are at risk of further decline.

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