Draft environmental profile of Zambia

Thus concludes this draft environmental profile summarizing available information on Zambia"s geography, climate, population, economy, geology, mineral resources, water resources, soils, agricultural land use, vegetation, and fauna. The profile concludes that Zambia"s major environmental problems are: soil erosion, causing the loss of up to 3 million tons of topsoil yearly; deforestation, resulting from slash and burn agriculture, firewood gathering, and charcoal production; range degradation due mostly to overgrazing; and widespread health problems due to contaminated water and inadequate sanitation. Industrial pollution, while not a major problem, has become serious in mining areas. Finally, Zambia"s wildlife is threatened by hunting and poaching, habitat destruction, and overpopulation. Included are a list of literature cited and appendices providing more detailed information on Zambia"s natural resources and environment.