Deforestation in Tanzania

Deforestation is a major

concern for Tanzania today.

The current deforestation

rate is rising at an

alarming level.

In 1990, Tanzania had a forest cover of 41,495,000 hectares

Today, the total forest cover is 35,257,000 hectares

Every year 403,000 hectares of forest area is cut down.

That is about 1.16% of forest area cut down every year

Social

That is the 11th

fastest growth

rate in the world.

People living in rural areas cut down trees to build new human settlements.

Once these settlements are occupied, more trees are cut down to build new ones.

Tanzania's rising development levels lead to new development projects.

These development projects prompt the clearing of forests for land to build on.

Environmental

Every year, forest fires

consume about 0.25%

of the forests

That is about 9000

hectares every year.

Economic

Agriculture employs

about 80% of

Tanzania's workforce

All these farmers look

to make more money by expanding their farms.

To do this, the farmers encroach the forest

area and lead to

deforestation.

Farmers practice Slash

and Burn agriculture

where they cut down

the trees and then

burn them.

About 0.5 % of forest

area is converted to

farms every year.

Apart from farmers,

miners and fuel

companies also cause deforestation

They exploit the

land under forests for

fuel and minerals

Forests provide food

for 80% of Tanzania's

population.

These forests also

preserve a great

deal of Tanzanian history and folklore

The tourism industry

provides 27,000 jobs and is responsible for 25% of Tanzania's foreign

Exchange.

In 2009, Tanzania

generated 1.2 Billion

Dollars from tourism.

All these tourists come

to Tanzania to witness

the natural beauty

present here.

Unfortunately, due to deforestation, Tourism

levels are going down

in Tanzania.

Loss of tourism would

have a massive impact

on Tanzania's economy.

Also, the forest sector

provides jobs to 730 000

people every year.

The loss of forests could

lead to the loss of jobs

for all these people.

The worst affect of deforestation in Tanzania is the affect it has on the environment.

The cutting down of

trees leads to the loss of Tanzania's amazing

fauna and flora.

Tanzania's animal population is declining at

a very fast rate.

Deforestation is also a major cause for rising temperatures in Tanzania.

Experts have warned

that Kilimanjaro could

lose its famous white cap

if the situation remains

the same.

Causes

25% of Tanzania's

GDP depends

on Agriculture

According to the

world bank,

Tanzania has a growth

rate of 2.9%

The rising population

is a major cause of deforestation

Social

Economical

Loss of these forests,

means a loss of nutrition

as well as culture for the locals.

Tourism plays a crucial

role in Tanzania's

economy

Consequences

Deforestation in Tanzania

Environmental

Before

The glacier on Mt. Kilimanjaro has lost 82%

of its ice due to rising temperatures.

Now

22.9 % of the

forest area is

used for multiple purposes.

100 % of the

forest area is

under the

threat of destruction.

99.8 % of the

forest area

is owned

by the public

About 35,257,000 hectares

of Tanzania is covered by forests.

2400,000 hectares of this

forest area is artificially grown.

That is about

39.9 % of the country.

71% of the forest area

is used in the

production of

raw materials

Deforestation is a very pressing

matter, and it needs to be dealt with

swiftly to prevent any more damage

to Tanzania.

All these affects can have a

disastrous impact on Tanzania

and its people if they are not

dealt with quickly.