The evolution of ‘extensive agriculture’ in Niassa and its impact on the environment from 2012-2022 (in Portuguese)

The aim of this article is to map and quantify the evolution of deforestation caused by extensive agriculture in Niassa in the period 2012-2022 and, finally, to estimate the percentage loss of vegetation cover in plantation systems using digital aerial images obtained by satellite. Two (2) districts in Niassa province (Chimbonila and Muembe) with high deforestation among the sixteen (16) districts were selected as the sample. 

The survey results indicate that cultivated areas in the 2012-2022 period increased from 255,155 to 388,912 hectares, which is equivalent to a 15 per cent loss of vegetation cover. This evolution is associated with the increase in production areas, characterised by shifting cultivation and the use of rudimentary or traditional techniques, which has led to the deforestation of native vegetation and the loss of biodiversity, thus generating impacts on the environment.

Download CEEG Working Paper 2024/04 here