Communities across northern and western Uganda are increasingly embracing commercial tree growing through the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Woodlots Project. Implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment with funding from the World Bank and support from consortium partners including NIRAS International Consulting, ECOTRUST, Green Life International, and Havilah Company Limited, the Project is promoting climate-smart livelihoods while supporting landscape restoration and environmental conservation.

The Project is being implemented in 19 districts across northern and western Uganda, including Adjumani, Amuru, Lamwo, Obongi, Moyo, Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Madi-Okollo, Kiryandongo, Hoima, Kagadi, Kikuube, Kibaale, Kakumiro, Kyegegwa, Kitagwenda, Kyenjojo, and Kamwenge. Through commercial woodlot establishment, the initiative aims to restore degraded landscapes while improving household incomes and strengthening climate resilience.

Working closely with district and sub-county local governments, the Project is supporting interested farmers with quality seedlings, technical guidance, and practical training on woodlot establishment and management. Participating households are voluntarily allocating land for commercial tree growing, with many viewing woodlots as long-term investments capable of generating future income through timber, poles, and other forest products.

Although the Project was originally designed for a longer implementation period, activities are being delivered within a compressed timeframe. Even so, several districts are exceeding their planned targets, demonstrating strong community interest and commitment to commercial forestry.

In addition to supplying quality seedlings, the Project emphasizes proper land preparation, adherence to quality standards, and farmer participation. Communities are receiving training on species selection, site preparation, pit establishment, spacing, and woodlot management practices that improve survival rates and long-term productivity.

According to Deziderius Irumba, Community Engagement Expert, one of the most encouraging outcomes is the strong enthusiasm shown by participating communities.

“One of the biggest impacts we have seen is the enthusiasm among communities. People have embraced tree growing because they understand its value. We have also ensured quality standards and prepared farmers properly so that the trees planted can provide lasting benefits to families and reduce pressure on natural forests.”

The Project promotes a farmer-centred approach that encourages voluntary participation, informed decision-making, and long-term ownership. Farmers select tree species based on their objectives and available land, while geo-referenced mapping supports monitoring and technical follow-up throughout implementation.

Beyond livelihood improvement, the initiative contributes to environmental conservation by encouraging communities to establish commercial woodlots for timber, poles, and fuelwood production. This approach helps reduce pressure on natural forests while contributing to climate change mitigation and landscape restoration.

Inclusiveness is also a key component of the Project. Women, youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities are actively encouraged to participate through targeted awareness creation, gender-responsive approaches, and community engagement activities.

According to Nagawa Gladys, Gender and Safeguarding Expert, the Project has made significant progress in promoting women’s participation and encouraging equitable access to opportunities associated with commercial forestry.

“We are encouraging families to give women and young people access rights to land so that they can benefit from tree growing and improve the welfare of the entire household.”

The Project also supports broader environmental awareness initiatives. As part of these efforts, Project partners joined Adjumani District Local Government in commemorating World Environment Day through a tree planting initiative at Arinyapi Seed Secondary School, promoting environmental stewardship and youth engagement in conservation.

Across the project districts, farmers are increasingly viewing tree growing as more than an environmental activity. For many households, woodlots are becoming a practical investment that can provide future income, support education, improve household welfare, and reduce vulnerability to climate-related challenges.

As more communities embrace commercial forestry, the trees being planted today are expected to provide lasting benefits for families while contributing to greener landscapes and a more resilient future for northern and western Uganda.