2. Agriculture: The expansion of commercial agriculture, particularly for crops like cocoa, coffee, and rubber, is another leading cause of deforestation. Farmers often clear large areas of forest to make way for their crops, and this can have devastating effects on the environment.
3. Mining: Mining for minerals such as gold, diamonds, and bauxite is another major threat to the rainforests. Mining operations can pollute the environment and damage the soil, making it difficult for trees to grow.
4. Hunting: Hunting for bushmeat is a serious problem in many parts of Central and West Africa. This can have a devastating impact on wildlife populations, and can also lead to the spread of disease.
5. Climate change: Climate change is also having a significant impact on the rainforests of Central and West Africa. Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are making it difficult for trees to survive, and this is leading to further deforestation.
6. Population growth: The human population of Central and West Africa is growing rapidly, and this is putting increasing pressure on the rainforests. As more people move into the region, they need more land for housing, agriculture, and other development, and this is leading to further deforestation.
