For more than a decade, Akuzimbire Samuel has faced a persistent challenge on his farm. In Kibengeya Parish, Kapaapi Sub-county in Hoima District, termites have repeatedly destroyed crops ranging from maize to eucalyptus trees, undermining productivity and reducing household income.

However, this season presents a new opportunity.

With the onset of the April rains, Akuzimbire is transforming part of his land into a commercial woodlot. As a Parish Farmer Coordinator, he is leading by example by planting more than 400 pine trees, a species he believes is better suited to local conditions and offers strong long-term economic potential.

This transition is supported through the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Woodlots Project. 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 promotes commercial forestry as a pathway to improved livelihoods, climate resilience, and sustainable land management.

To improve seedling survival and protect farmers’ investments, technical teams are supporting participants with practical guidance on site preparation, tree establishment, and termite management. These interventions help reduce early losses and improve the chances of establishing productive and resilient woodlots.

For Akuzimbire, tree growing is more than a farming activity. It is a family investment designed to create long-term benefits for future generations.

“In my family, we work as a team, and we reached this decision through mutual understanding with my wife and I as the leaders of the family. It is important because they will be involved in taking care of the trees to maturity. Even when I am not around, the trees will survive because my family members understand their value.”

The expected benefits are both immediate and long-term. As the trees grow, pruning activities will provide firewood for household use. In the future, the mature pine trees are expected to generate income through timber sales, helping the family meet household needs and invest in other economic activities.

“We specifically selected the pine trees because they provide timber. When they mature, I will be in a position to sell this timber and get money to invest in other businesses but also take care of my family.”

Beyond household income, Akuzimbire sees commercial forestry as an opportunity to contribute to environmental conservation. Located close to a government forest reserve, his woodlot reduces dependence on protected forests for fuelwood and timber.

“With my own woodlot, I don’t need to go to the reserves for firewood. As the forest coordinator for my region, I will work hard to ensure there is no encroachment in the reserve.”

Akuzimbire’s experience demonstrates how the IFPA-CD Woodlots Project is helping farmers transform challenges into opportunities through commercial forestry. By providing technical support, quality planting materials, and practical knowledge, the Project is enabling rural households to invest in sustainable livelihood opportunities while contributing to increased tree cover and improved landscape management.