What is deforestation

The deforestation is the phenomenon of regression of the surfaces covered with forests that’s origin can be anthropic or natural. It is also the action that causes a permanent disappearance of forest.  Human activities are the main cause of deforestation. This is due to the fact that these activities are considered to be more profitable in the short term than the preservation or sustainable management of forests. Historically, deforestation has been significant in Europe and North America, today it is concentrated in the tropics, especially in the Amazon, Southeast Asia and Central Africa, the Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not exception. The yearly rate of deforestation in the Tshopo Province varies between 0.1 and 0.3%.

Causes of deforestation

Forests of Tshopo are threatened by a diversity of activities, notably the extension of agricultural areas (slash and burning), excessive exploitation of forest resources, such as timber and non-woody forest products (plants, animals, fungi and others), and mining exploitation. All of these causes of deforestation are accentuated by strong demographic growth, the dependence of the poorest populations on forest resources, poor governance and an undiversified economy that depends mainly on exploitation of natural resources. Every year, the Tshopo loses hundreds of hectare of forests. 

Consequences of deforestation

• Disappearance of plants and animals on which the poorest depend for food

With deforestation, many species disappear. Socio-economic studies show that the more households are poor, the more they depend on forest resources, which account for up to 80% of their incomes

• Decreased rainfall, causing water shortages for household and agricultural needs
• Loss of soil fertility, which is leached by rain and wind, as it is no longer protected by vegetation.

• Climate change, which will cause the upset of climatic conditions affecting agriculture and more intense rains and droughts.