Context:

A recent study reveals that Sub-Saharan Africa has lost 24% of its biodiversity since pre-industrial times. Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem services, sustainable development, and human well-being. The study used Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) and inputs from 200 African biodiversity experts to provide a detailed regional assessment.

Key Findings:

1. Overall Biodiversity Intactness:

• • • Current estimated BII for Sub-Saharan Africa: 76%.
    • Indigenous vertebrate and plant populations have declined to 76% of pre-industrial reference levels.
    • Loss varies:
      • <20% for disturbance-adapted herbaceous plants
      • Up to 80% for certain large mammals

2. Country-Wise Variation:

• • • Least intact: Rwanda and Nigeria (<55% intactness).
    • Most intact: Namibia and Botswana (>85% intactness).
    • Central African countries retain higher intactness due to persistent humid forests.
    • West Africa has low intactness due to forest and savanna degradation from agriculture and overharvesting.

3. Ecosystem-Specific Drivers:

• • • Grasslands & Fynbos: Biodiversity loss mainly due to land conversion for farming.
    • Forests: Non-agricultural degradation dominates.
    • Savannas: Both agricultural and non-agricultural pressures.
    • High-yield intensive croplands show lower intactness than low-intensity smallholder croplands, highlighting the environmental impact of intensive agriculture.

4. Human Dependence & Conservation Context:

• • • Over 80% of remaining biodiversity exists in unprotected natural forests and rangelands, where humans coexist with wildlife.
    • These areas support more than 500 million people, emphasizing the need for sustainable, community-inclusive conservation strategies.

5. Future Implications:

• • • Cropland is projected to double and cereal demand to triple by 2050.
    • Changes in agricultural practices could further impact biodiversity.
    • 75% of cropland is smallholder farming, which has low yields, posing challenges to food security and conservation simultaneously.

Significance of the Study:

• • Provides contextually relevant, policy-focused data for decision-makers.
  • Highlights the need for ecosystem-specific conservation strategies.
  • Underlines the trade-off between agricultural expansion and biodiversity protection.
  • Demonstrates that protecting working landscapes (forests, rangelands) is crucial for sustainable development.

About Sub-Saharan Africa:

Sub-Saharan Africa refers to the region of Africa that lies south of the Sahara Desert. It is a vast and diverse region, comprising 48 or 49 countries, over 1,000 languages, and a population of over 1.1 billion people.

Conclusion:

Sub-Saharan Africa’s biodiversity loss is uneven across countries and ecosystems, with human activity being the primary driver. Effective conservation requires integrated approaches that balance food security, community needs, and ecosystem preservation, especially in regions where biodiversity and human livelihoods are deeply intertwined.