Farmers in Kagadi District are celebrating the achievements of the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Mixed Agroforestry Systems (MAS) Project, a World Bank-funded initiative that has promoted sustainable farming and environmental restoration in refugee-hosting districts across Uganda.
The two-year project, implemented under the Ministry of Water and Environment, sought to combat environmental degradation, improve land productivity, and strengthen food security through the integration of trees, crops, and livestock on household farms.
The initiative was implemented through a partnership involving Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as the lead consultant, alongside NIRAS International Consulting Uganda and the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST). ECOTRUST oversaw community-level implementation in the districts of Kamwenge, Lamwo, Kagadi, Kakumiro, and Kitagwenda.
As part of its close-out activities, the project recognized more than 20 model farmers from four sub-counties in Kagadi District for their commitment to agroforestry and environmental conservation. The farmers were each awarded two goats to support household incomes and strengthen livelihood resilience.
Through the project, participating farmers received thousands of tree seedlings, including indigenous and agroforestry-friendly species such as albizia, Prunus africana, grevillea, terminalia, maesopsis, and mahogany.
Christopher Byamukama, the IFPA-CD MAS Project Officer in Kagadi District, said the selected tree species were chosen for their compatibility with agroforestry systems and their high survival rates in the area.
“These species were supplied because they align with agroforestry practices and have demonstrated strong survival rates in the region. Farmers were also given an opportunity to choose the species that best suited their needs,” he explained.
Kagadi District LCV Chairperson Tumusiime Elly commended the beneficiaries for embracing sustainable farming practices, noting that agroforestry has the potential to improve soil fertility, restore rainfall patterns, and enhance household livelihoods.
“The goats should be viewed as an investment for the future. Through breeding and livestock production, they can significantly improve household incomes while complementing the environmental gains achieved through tree planting,” he said.
The project targeted 87,782 households across 19 refugee-hosting districts in Northern and Western Uganda. Under the agroforestry adoption component, 25,314 farmers were reached against a target of 25,807.
Kagadi emerged as one of the best-performing districts, successfully reaching its target of 7,180 households. The district also surpassed its land restoration target by establishing trees on 1,420 hectares of land, contributing to increased tree cover, watershed protection, and ecosystem restoration.
A key feature of the project was the Farmers’ Voice Radio approach, implemented through Kibale Kagadi Community Radio (KKCR 91.7 FM). The platform enabled farmers to engage directly with agricultural experts, share challenges, and access practical farming information in local languages.
One of the beneficiaries, Tom Kizza from Isunga Sub-county, said the project transformed his understanding of sustainable farming.
“Before the project, I had a coffee garden but did not understand the importance of shade trees. Through the training, I learned how trees can improve coffee production and protect the environment. I received more than 700 seedlings, including mahogany, grevillea, coffee, and cocoa, and they are all growing well,” he said.
Kagadi District Forest Officer and project focal person Abigaba Patrick said the initiative has played a critical role in restoring degraded forest landscapes while creating alternative income opportunities for rural households.
“More than 60 percent of forest reserves in Kagadi have been degraded. This project has helped restore some of these areas while improving livelihoods through tree planting and livestock support. We are also witnessing increased community awareness about the importance of environmental conservation,” he said.
Project implementers say the achievements registered in Kagadi and other participating districts demonstrate the potential of climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry to address environmental challenges while improving rural livelihoods.