By Abbas Nazil
Charcoal production has emerged as the leading cause of forest degradation in Africa, according to a recent poll conducted by NatureNews Africa across its social media platforms.
The survey, which engaged thousands of followers on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, sought public opinion on the activity most responsible for the destruction of African forests.
An overwhelming 60 percent of respondents identified charcoal production as the most damaging activity to forest ecosystems across the continent.
This finding underscores the urgent need to address unsustainable wood harvesting practices that continue to fuel the continent’s growing energy demands, particularly in regions where access to electricity and cleaner energy alternatives remains limited.
Urbanization was cited by 30 percent of the poll participants as a major factor contributing to forest loss.
As cities expand to accommodate rising populations, vast tracts of forest land are being cleared for housing, infrastructure, and industrial development.
The rapid pace of urban sprawl, particularly in West and Central Africa, poses a significant threat to biodiversity, water cycles, and climate regulation provided by forests.
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Surprisingly, only 10 percent of respondents viewed animal grazing as a key contributor to deforestation. While grazing may not directly involve the cutting down of trees, it contributes to land degradation and hinders natural forest regeneration in many regions.
The impact of livestock, particularly in dry savannah and woodland areas, includes trampling of seedlings, soil compaction, and erosion, which collectively reduce the resilience of forest landscapes.
Perhaps most striking is the result that large-scale farming received no votes, accounting for 0 percent in the poll.
This is despite substantial evidence from environmental studies that commercial agriculture—particularly for cash crops such as cocoa, palm oil, and soy—is one of the leading drivers of deforestation in several African countries.
The poll result may reflect a public perception gap or lack of awareness about the indirect role industrial agriculture plays in forest loss through land conversion and habitat fragmentation.
NatureNews Africa’s decision to involve its audience in environmental discourse via social media highlights the importance of public awareness and engagement in forest conservation.
With charcoal production topping the poll, it is clear that alternative energy solutions and improved forest governance must become priorities for African governments and international partners alike.
The poll results also call for better education and communication strategies to inform communities about the broader threats facing forests.
In the face of climate change, protecting Africa’s forests is not only an ecological imperative but also a key to securing sustainable livelihoods and resilience for future generations.
