The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), has implemented the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Project, a two-year initiative funded by the World Bank aimed at promoting sustainable land use and climate-smart agriculture across the country.
The project, implemented under the component “Intensive Mixed Use Agroforestry Systems on Household Plots,” is designed to encourage farmers to integrate trees, crops, and livestock in order to improve land productivity, restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthen household livelihoods.
The initiative is being executed by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) and the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST). CRS, contracted as the lead consultant by the Ministry, sub-contracted ECOTRUST to oversee implementation in five refugee-hosting settlement districts, including Kamwenge, Lamwo, Kagadi, Kakumiro, and Kitagwenda.
The project targets 19 refugee-hosting districts across Northern and Western Uganda, with the goal of increasing agroforestry adoption, improving food security, and addressing environmental degradation in vulnerable communities.
It was designed to reach 87,782 households and restore 17,550 hectares of degraded land while promoting sustainable livelihoods through climate-smart farming systems.
As the project concludes after two years of implementation, ECOTRUST has recognized 14 model farmers drawn from 14 parishes across four sub-counties in Kamwenge District for their outstanding commitment to tree planting and sustainable agriculture.
The sub-counties include Kamwenge, Nkoma, Bwizi, and Kahunge, with beneficiaries drawn from parishes such as Bisozi, Kaberebere, Kidunduma, Mabale, Businge, Ganyenda, Kiziba, Kyabandara, Bwizi, Kyakaitaba, Ntonwa, Kiyagara, Mpanga, and Nyakahama.
Each of the selected farmers received more than 5,000 tree seedlings of different species, which they planted and nurtured on their farms as part of efforts to restore degraded land and improve soil fertility.
In recognition of their efforts, each farmer was also awarded vegetable seedlings and two improved goats to further enhance household income and strengthen livelihoods. The distribution marked one of the final activities of the IFPA-CD project in Kamwenge, which has been among the best-performing districts under the initiative.
Kamwenge District LCV Chairperson, Joseph Karungi, praised the farmers for their commitment, describing them as role models within their communities. He noted that the livestock and seedlings provided would multiply benefits beyond individual households.
“The tree planting initiative has contributed to environmental conservation by protecting water sources, improving rainfall patterns, and supporting sustainable livelihoods,” Karungi said. “We encourage beneficiaries to multiply the goats and share the benefits within their groups so that more families can benefit.”
Across all participating districts, the project reached 25,314 farmers against a target of 25,807, reflecting strong overall performance. Kamwenge District recorded the highest achievement, reaching 7,935 farmers, exceeding its target of 5,165 by 2,770 farmers.
In land restoration efforts, Kamwenge again outperformed expectations, restoring 1,629 hectares against a target of 1,030 hectares. This has contributed to improved watershed protection, increased tree cover, and enhanced ecosystem resilience.
The project also supported income-generating activities, including the establishment of a honey collection centre at Kyakaitaba. The facility includes a honey processing room, storage space, a meeting gazebo, and sanitation facilities. A modern apiary was also developed with 50 beehives, including Kenya Top Bar and Langstroth hives, alongside beekeeping equipment such as protective gear and harvesting tools.
Community outreach was strengthened through the Farmers’ Voice Radio platform, which delivered agricultural information in local languages. The project also applied Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) and the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) to support household planning and inclusive decision-making, while digital mapping improved transparency and monitoring.
One of the model farmers, Isidoro Ndyabwe from Ganyenda–Kinoni Parish, shared his experience, saying the project transformed his approach to farming.
“Before ECOTRUST came, I had a coffee garden but lacked knowledge about shade trees. Through training, I learned that integrating trees improves coffee production and protects the environment,” he said. “I received 837 tree seedlings including mahogany, grevillea, musizi, and avocado, and all of them are growing well. Being recognized as a model farmer and receiving two goats has greatly improved my household livelihood.”
Kamwenge District Assistant Forest Officer, Mugabirwe Novenci, also commended the initiative, noting that it has helped communities diversify income sources while reducing pressure on natural forests.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Namara Loy Batuuze praised the project for aligning with government efforts on tree planting and environmental restoration. She noted that farmers have embraced the “plant five, cut one” approach and urged continued monitoring by government structures, including the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), RDC office, and district leadership, to ensure sustainability of the gains.