Deforestation rate and causes in Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment, Zimbabwe: Implications on achieving national climate change mitigation targets

• DOI: 10.1016/j.tfp.2021.100090
• Publication Date: 2021-04-23T19:14:03Z
• Authors: Luckson Zvobgo; Jonathan Tsoka
• Keywords: Deforestation

The signing of the Paris Agreement at UNFCCC Conference Parties (COP) 21 repositioned global agenda toward sustainable forest management to address threats warming. However, deforestation rates in many parts world continue accelerate. study evaluates rate and causes Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment (UMSC) due land use cover (LULC) changes between 1990 2020. Landsat imagery analysis augmented by household questionnaire survey key stakeholder interviews were used assess cause UMSC. Over 30 years, sub-catchment lost 9.4% its vegetation area changes. Vegetation loss was mainly urban expansion Harare dormitory towns extensive peri‑urban agriculture tobacco harvesting. Using Markov Chain Cellular Automata model, estimated that 2030 catchment will lose approximately 3.3% current area. This means a further reduction from 20.1% 16.8% 2030. There is need for harmonisation infrastructure development farming activities with policies conserve forests such as charcoal eucalyptus plantations curing instead indigenous trees. critical if Zimbabwe meet climate change mitigation targets Nationally Determined Contribution promotes implementation Reducing Emissions Deforestation Forest Degradation (REDD+).