For many rural households in Northern Uganda, relying solely on seasonal crops such as maize and beans has become increasingly risky. Unpredictable weather patterns, pests, and fluctuating market prices often leave farmers with poor harvests despite significant investments of time and labour.

Through the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Woodlots Project, farmers are increasingly turning to commercial tree growing as a practical strategy for building long-term resilience and financial security. Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment together with consortium partners including NIRAS International Consulting, ECOTRUST, Havilah Company Limited, and Green Life International, the Project is supporting farmers to establish commercial woodlots as sustainable livelihood enterprises.

The Project aims to increase the supply of timber, poles, and other wood products in refugee-hosting and surrounding communities across western and north-western Uganda. Through the establishment of private woodlots, participating farmers are encouraged to view tree growing not only as an environmental activity but also as a long-term business investment capable of generating sustainable income.

One farmer embracing this opportunity is Achero Joyce of Lugwa Central Village in Palabek, Lamwo District. Having experienced the uncertainty associated with annual crop production, Achero saw commercial tree growing as a more reliable way to secure her family’s future.

“When you look at these other enterprises like crops, when you plant sometimes you can take time. You can even clear a large piece of land but later on you can fail to even harvest,” she explains.

After joining the IFPA-CD Woodlots Project, Achero established a woodlot using Eucalyptus and Tectona grandis (Black Teak). The combination provides both short- and long-term investment opportunities. Eucalyptus can be harvested relatively quickly for poles and construction materials, while Black Teak offers significant future value as premium timber.

For Achero, the decision was driven by a desire to create a lasting source of income for her household and support her children’s education.

“My major vision and hope in these trees is that later when the trees grow, at least even if now I do not do any other farming, at least I’m sure and certain that I will get money from sales of the tree products like the timber and then maybe poles,” she says. “The money that I’m going to get now, I may use it for school fees for my children.”

Establishing and managing a commercial woodlot requires planning, knowledge, and ongoing care. Through the IFPA-CD Woodlots Project, participating farmers receive technical guidance on land preparation, planting, spacing, tree management, and protection measures designed to improve tree survival and growth rates.

Achero credits the training and practical support received through the Project with helping her establish her woodlot successfully. The Project also provided quality seedlings and support on protecting young trees from pests and other threats during the establishment phase.

Beyond tree growing, the Project introduced Achero and her family to the Vision Road Journey tool, which helps households plan together, identify opportunities, address challenges, and track progress towards their long-term goals.

Achero explains that her family now regularly comes together to discuss their vision, challenges, opportunities, milestones, and planned activities, helping ensure that everyone contributes towards a common future.

Achero’s story demonstrates how commercial tree growing is becoming an important livelihood investment for rural households in Northern Uganda. By providing quality planting materials, technical support, and practical planning tools, the IFPA-CD Woodlots Project is helping farmers build valuable assets that can generate future income while contributing to sustainable landscape restoration and climate resilience.

As more farmers like Achero invest in commercial woodlots, tree growing is increasingly being viewed not simply as an environmental intervention, but as a pathway towards improved household incomes, education opportunities, and long-term economic security.