ZAMBIA LOSES ABOUT 172,000 HECTARES OF FOREST LAND ANUALLY

By JOSIAH MPOFU

ZAMBIA is experiencing an ecological crisis, as it has been losing about 172,000 hectares of forest land, placing the country among the top in sub-Saharan Africa for deforestation rates.

The situation has been worsened by activities such as charcoal production, illegal logging, and unsustainable farming practices that have continued to drive forest loss at alarming rates.

Forestry Department Senior Research Officer Kanembwa Mukoma said this has led to reduced soil fertility and climate change shocks.

Mr Mukoma explained that there is need to protect forests as they help to enhance biodiversity and climate regulation.

He added that forests also play a huge role in supporting millions of rural livelihoods in Zambia through agriculture, fuel, and water conservation hence the need to preserve them.

Mr Mukoma said this during the Harnessing Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods for Climate Change Mitigation programme consultative workshop in Lusaka.

And Ministry of Agriculture Director Dr. Chizumba Shepande noted that the programme will play a huge role in complementing government’s effort in the fight against deforestation.

“We are pleased to know that the programme called “Harnessing Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods for Climate Change Mitigation” will supplement government’s effort in the fight against deforestation improve community resilience and promote green jobs,” said Dr. Shepande.

Dr. Shepande says the programme will restore degraded forests, protect water catchments, and promote climate-smart agriculture across the North-Western and Copperbelt regions.

He however said the programme could not have come at a better time than now, when there is a huge migration of people from Southern Province to the Northern region for agricultural purposes.

Dr. Shepande indicated that this might lead to deforestation as more forests would be cleared for agricultural production.

He stated that with climate change threatening Zambia’s natural resources and rural economies, this programme provides a blueprint rooted in restoration, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the two provinces.

Meanwhile, Alliance of Biodiversity International and International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) Representative Augusto Castro stressed that communities would be at the heart of the project, with training and support provided for alternative livelihoods that are both environmentally friendly and economically sustainable.

He said the project would also create business models and sustainable jobs that reduce pressure on the environment.

Mr Castro emphasized that the programme seeks to implement alternative income generation activities aimed at preventing charcoal burning and other land degradation practices.

As the programme gains ground in Zambia, many hope it would set a national standard for balancing environmental conservation while improving rural livelihoods. -NAIS