Farmers in Kyegegwa District are increasingly embracing commercial tree growing as a pathway to improved livelihoods, climate resilience, and environmental restoration. Through the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Woodlots Project, participating households are establishing commercial woodlots designed to generate future income while contributing to sustainable land management and increased tree cover.

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 climate-smart commercial forestry as a viable livelihood investment for rural communities.

In Kyegegwa District, the Project has mobilised 290 farmers who collectively targeted the establishment of approximately 194 hectares of commercial woodlots. Participating farmers receive quality seedlings, technical guidance, and practical support to help establish productive and sustainable plantations.

To improve survival rates and protect farmers’ investments, the Project has supplied treated seedlings and promoted best practices in woodlot establishment and management. Farmers receive hands-on training in site preparation, spacing, planting techniques, and early plantation management to improve long-term productivity and woodlot performance.

The Project has also strengthened collaboration between farmers, local government officials, technical experts, and community leaders to support successful implementation and encourage wider adoption of commercial forestry practices. This coordinated approach has helped build confidence among participating households and strengthened local ownership of the initiative.

Local leaders welcomed the Project and recognised its potential to improve livelihoods while contributing to environmental conservation.

“With participation from women, youth, and the elderly, we believe this project will bring lasting benefits to our communities,” noted Rasagara Leodomil, LC1 Chairperson.

For participating farmers, commercial tree growing represents more than environmental restoration. Woodlots are increasingly being viewed as long-term investments capable of generating income from timber, poles, and other forest products while helping households build resilience to climate and economic shocks.

The experience from Kyegegwa demonstrates how commercial forestry can simultaneously support livelihood improvement, landscape restoration, and climate resilience. By investing in woodlots today, participating farmers are creating valuable assets that will continue generating economic and environmental benefits for years to come.

As implementation progresses, the IFPA-CD Woodlots Project is helping strengthen farmer capacity, increase participation in commercial forestry, and promote sustainable land-use practices that contribute to both household prosperity and environmental sustainability.