Mozambique has witnessed a significant decline in its tree cover over the years, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. Analysis of historical data reveals that from 2001 to 2023, Mozambique experienced a tree cover loss of over 4.89 million hectares, which constitutes a 10.21% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture alone accounted for the vast majority of this loss, emphasizing the impact of agricultural practices on forested areas.

The data indicates that the annual tree cover loss has been inconsistent, with some years experiencing higher rates than others. For instance, 2017 marked the highest recorded loss within this period, with over 359,000 hectares affected. In contrast, the early 2000s saw relatively lower loss rates, which have escalated over time.

Wildfires have also contributed to the degradation of Mozambique’s forests, although to a lesser extent compared to shifting agriculture. Urbanization and forestry activities have had a minimal impact on tree cover loss in comparison. The latest incident data from 2025 reports a single fire alert in Manica Province, suggesting that wildfires continue to pose a threat to the region’s forests.

The net change in tree cover reflects a concerning trend, with a net loss of over 4.31 million hectares after accounting for gains from reforestation and natural regeneration. This loss represents a significant challenge for the country’s environment, as forests play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation.

The ongoing loss of tree cover in Mozambique calls for a broader discussion on sustainable land use practices and the importance of forest conservation in mitigating environmental degradation.

Deforestation trends in Mozambique over the last 20 years.

From 2001 to 2023, Mozambique lost 4296kha of tree cover, equivalent to a 14.9% net decrease in tree cover since 2001.

In Mozambique from 2001 to 2023, 4296kha of tree cover loss occurred in areas where the dominant drivers of loss resulted in deforestation.

In Mozambique, the top 5 regions were responsible for 76.3% of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023. Zambezia had the most tree cover loss at 1186.3kha compared to an average of 390.5 kha.

Source - https://clubofmozambique.com