Milton Buherero

With guidance from ECOTRUST, Milton attended his first training workshop in Ishaka, where he and other farmers learned the importance of tree planting and how the carbon trade worked. That workshop opened their eyes to the long-term benefits, like income from timber, while also helping them protect the environment.

Before joining the project, Milton used to rely on the nearby national park for firewood. But now, he gets all his firewood from the trees he planted himself, reducing pressure on the forest and creating a sustainable source of energy and income.

The money Milton earned from the project has helped him educate his children. He proudly shares that he now has two graduates, two who completed Senior Six, and another who has finished Senior Four. His success has inspired many others in the area, and today, there are over 470 farmers in the subcounty involved in TGB.

One of Milton’s most memorable moments was when ECOTRUST took him and other farmers to Kampala in 2015 to celebrate the project’s 15th anniversary. They stayed at the Golf Course Hotel, an experience he will never forget. He’s especially thankful to Coordinator Innocent Byamukama for his constant support and for connecting farmers with visitors and new ideas.

ECOTRUST also gave Milton beehives, which now bring in extra income and help conserve the environment. He remains committed to tree planting and is encouraging his children to get involved, knowing that the benefits will continue to grow for his family in the years ahead.

Milton is grateful for all the friendships and connections he has made through the project—locally and beyond. As TGB celebrates 20 years, he hopes ECOTRUST will continue supporting experienced farmers by helping them explore new green enterprises, like coffee growing.