Dynamics of agricultural expansion into forest habitats in Zambia: A case study from Zambia Copperbelt and North-western Provinces

The natural environment has been continuously reshaped, ever since man settled down and left nomad livelihood in favor of agriculture production. And, in pre-agricultural times, about 50% of the forest that once covered earth now is gone. Expanding agriculture through increased in area under cultivation is the main cause of tropical deforestation. And it is driving by high exponential growth in population which demand agricultural practices to expand its land size at the expense of forest. This paper comprehensively review literature on the overview of land use and land cover change. Also, a review on the drivers and the general impact of land use and land cover change was adopted in this study. Likewise, a review on impact of agriculture and its practices on forest habitats was espoused in this study. The literature revealed that the high transition in forest cover substantially result from expanding agricultural lands. Increased agricultural lands to meet the exponential demand of agricultural products have exacerbate forest degradation. The reviewed studies estimated high growth in agriculture sector which take the form of increased in area under cultivation to recognized high production to meet the demand. From the literature reviewed, it is suggested to sustainably utilize agricultural lands, promote agroforestry, increase intensification, transformation in policy associated with strict implementation for robust forest sustainability.