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Wetland fragmentation associated with large populations across Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Sani Idris Garba

    (University of Leeds)

  • Susanna K. Ebmeier

    (University of Leeds)

  • Jean-François Bastin

    (Université de Liège)

  • Danilo Mollicone

    (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

  • Joseph Holden

    (University of Leeds)

Abstract

Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services in Africa, yet their extent and fragmentation remain poorly understood. Here we classify African wetlands at 10 m resolution, using seasonal composite imagery and a random forest algorithm. We estimate a total wetland area of 947,750 km² (10% of global wetlands), comprising 46% marshes, 25% swamps, 22% peatlands, 5% seasonal wetlands, and 2% mangroves. Wetland fragmentation is strongly associated with high population densities in countries such as Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea, Egypt, Algeria, and Kenya. African wetlands store an estimated 54 ± 11 Gt of carbon, surpassing Europe’s 12–31 Gt. If drained, they could release 260 MtC yr−¹, nearly ten times the carbon sequestration of pristine wetlands (27 MtC yr−¹). These findings provide a crucial foundation for sustainable wetland management and policy development.

Suggested Citation

  • Sani Idris Garba & Susanna K. Ebmeier & Jean-François Bastin & Danilo Mollicone & Joseph Holden, 2025. "Wetland fragmentation associated with large populations across Africa," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59373-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59373-2
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