Across Kikuube District and the wider Albertine region, farmers are increasingly embracing commercial tree growing as a long-term investment for income generation, environmental conservation, and livelihood improvement. While access to quality seedlings and technical support played an important role, one of the most significant drivers of adoption under the IFPA-CD Woodlots Project is the sustained community engagement and awareness creation.

The Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Woodlots 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. Through the Project, farmers are supported not only with inputs and technical guidance, but also with information and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about commercial forestry.

For many farmers, commercial tree growing represents a long-term investment that may take several years before generating returns. As a result, building understanding, trust, and confidence within communities became an essential component of Project implementation.

Community sensitisation efforts are conducted through village meetings, community dialogues, radio programmes, parish engagements, farmer groups, religious institutions, and local leadership structures. These platforms provide opportunities for farmers to learn about the economic and environmental benefits of commercial forestry, ask questions, and address concerns related to participation in the Project.

According to Wilfred Abitegeka, the District Forest Officer, community engagement played a critical role in the successful implementation of the initiative.

“Sensitization plays a significant role in determining the outcome of the initiative. Engaging different stakeholders, from farm leaders to religious leaders, has been essential in driving adoption.”

One of the most notable outcomes of these efforts is a shift in perceptions around land use and commercial forestry. Farmers are beginning to view tree growing as a viable livelihood enterprise capable of generating future income through timber, poles, and other forest products.

Community engagement activities also help address misconceptions and concerns that initially discouraged participation. Through open discussions and continuous awareness creation, farmers gain a better understanding of the long-term value of commercial woodlots, land tenure considerations, and the practical requirements for successful woodlot establishment and management.

The Project also promotes inclusive participation by encouraging the involvement of women, youth, community leaders, and elderly household members. This contributes to broader community ownership and strengthened support for commercial tree growing at household and community levels.

Farmer leaders play an important role in supporting adoption. By sharing information, encouraging participation, and providing peer support, they help build confidence among farmers considering commercial forestry investments.

As farmer leader Azoora Lawrence explained:

“We talk about the benefits and prepare our families to understand that this is a long-term investment that needs everyone’s support.”

Beyond promoting commercial forestry, community engagement activities helped farmers appreciate the wider environmental benefits of tree growing, including reduced pressure on natural forests, improved landscape restoration, and greater climate resilience.

The experience from Kikuube and the wider Albertine region demonstrates that successful commercial forestry requires more than seedlings and technical support. It also depends on informed, motivated, and engaged communities. By investing in awareness creation and stakeholder engagement, the IFPA-CD Woodlots Project creates the conditions necessary for long-term adoption and sustainable impact.