One of the greatest challenges facing commercial tree growers in Uganda is ensuring that planted seedlings survive long enough to become productive woodlots. While farmers may invest significant time and resources in establishing plantations, threats such as termite infestations can significantly reduce survival rates and compromise long-term returns.

To address this challenge, the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Woodlots Project has invested in strengthening the technical capacity of field teams responsible for supporting participating farmers. The Project is 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.

As part of this effort, frontline forestry practitioners, including Project Officers, Forest Assistants, and Nursery Managers, received specialised training on quality assurance, termite management, environmental safeguards, and safe pesticide application. These personnel play a critical role in supporting farmers with the technical knowledge required to establish and maintain productive woodlots.

After the training, project officers, forest assistants, and nursery staff from ECOTRUST, NIRAS and GLI pose for a group photo with facilitator Paul Edyangu.

A key theme throughout the training was quality assurance, particularly in termite control, one of the biggest threats to young tree seedlings. Facilitated by experienced tree crop farmer Paul Edyangu, the session emphasized the importance of using effective, science-backed solutions rather than low-cost alternatives that often fail to deliver results. 

The project is promoting the use of Termidor, a high-quality, non-repellent pesticide, as a more reliable solution compared to commonly used alternatives such as; Ambush, Rabada, and Imida. While these cheaper options are widely available, they tend to repel termites rather than eliminate them- allowing colonies to survive and continue causing damage. 

Termidor, though more expensive, works differently. It is undetectable to termites, allowing it to spread within the colony and effectively eliminate it over time. A single application can protect seedlings for up to 90 days- critical period for early tree establishment and remains active in the soil for several years. 

During the session, Edyangu highlighted the quality assurance as a key aspect of the project. 

“The selection of termido against other pesticides in the market is because of its intricate value. It doesn’t kill instantly, allowing termites to spread 50 meters from the pit where it is applied allowing the treatment throughout the colony and killing others. Most importantly, a single application guards seedlings for up to 90 days, a critical window for young trees to establish themselves, stays in the soil for 10 years and one liter treats sixty-four hectares”. Edyangu says. 

“By using quality termite control, we ensure the trees actually survive to maturity. This is how we move from simply planting trees to actually growing a forest.” He adds.  

 Paul Edyangu explaining vegetation management, highlighting how “unwanted” plants compete with protected trees.

A key focus of the training was improving seedling survival through effective termite control. Participants were introduced to science-based approaches for managing termite infestations and reducing losses during the critical establishment phase. The training emphasized the importance of using proven solutions and following recommended application procedures to maximise effectiveness while protecting human health and the environment.

According to facilitator Paul Edyangu, improving seedling survival is essential for ensuring that commercial forestry investments deliver meaningful returns for farmers and contribute to increased forest cover.

“By using quality termite control, we ensure the trees actually survive to maturity. This is how we move from simply planting trees to actually growing a forest.”

Paul Edyangu, a forester, trains implementers from ECOTRUST and NIRAS in the proper use of Termidor pesticide to enhance woodlot survival rates.

The training also reinforced environmental and occupational safety standards, ensuring that field staff could effectively guide farmers on responsible pesticide handling, application procedures, and environmental protection measures. These safeguards help reduce risks to farmers, communities, and local ecosystems while supporting sustainable woodlot management.

Beyond protecting young trees, improved survival rates contribute directly to the broader objectives of the IFPA-CD Woodlots Project. Successful woodlots increase tree cover, strengthen climate resilience, enhance carbon sequestration, and create future opportunities for income generation through timber, poles, and other forest products.

By strengthening the capacity of field teams and promoting best practices in woodlot establishment and management, the Project is helping participating farmers improve the productivity and long-term viability of their investments. These efforts contribute not only to landscape restoration, but also to the development of sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities across the project implementation areas.