Kikuube District is taking a bold step toward sustainable livelihoods and environmental restoration with the launch of climate-smart commercial woodlot planting under the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA CD) programme. With ECOTRUST as one of the key implementing partners, the initiative is designed to empower local communities to turn tree planting into a reliable and profitable long-term investment while restoring degraded landscapes.

The programme, which commenced in October 2025 following the signing of a contract with the Ministry of Water and Environment, will run until June 2026. It focuses on supporting farmers to establish well-managed, commercial woodlots that contribute to both household income and National forest cover.

The rollout officially began in Kidoma Parish, Kiziranfumbi Subcounty, marked by a symbolic first planting by Winfred Natukunda, a local farmer and mother of four. Together with her husband, Boniface Lucky, the family received 3,794 treated eucalyptus clone seedlings at no cost, which they will plant on 3.19 hectares of land to establish a commercial woodlot.

To improve survival rates and protect farmers’ investment, all seedlings were pre-treated with Termidor, a recommended pesticide that safeguards young trees against termites, one of the biggest threats to eucalyptus in the region. This reflects the programme’s emphasis on climate-smart and practical solutions that respond to local challenges.

The planting exercise was overseen by Kikuube District Forest Officer, Wilfred Abitegeka, who guided the farmers through proper planting techniques to ensure optimal growth and long-term success.

“This programme is designed to empower our farmers economically while contributing to environmental restoration. With the rains now here, I encourage all participating farmers to plant immediately and make the most of the season,” Abitegeka noted.

For participating farmers, the benefits go beyond income. Boniface Lucky described the initiative as a long-term investment that will support his family’s future.

“I am very happy about this programme. These trees will help us earn income in the future and improve our livelihoods. We are involving the whole family in this work. The trees will also help mark our land boundaries, and we expect to get firewood from pruning,” he shared.

Boneface Lucky, a farmer under the IFP CD Woodlot programme carefully transplanting a seedling into freshly prepared soil, marking the beginning of a new growth of eucalyptue trees on his land in Kido

The Kidoma launch is part of a wider effort across Kikuube District, where 481 farmers have already been mapped and verified to participate. Together, they are expected to establish approximately 325 hectares of commercial woodlots.

The IFPA CD woodlot initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment with support from the Government of Uganda and the World Bank. It aims to de-risk commercial forestry by providing farmers with quality inputs, technical knowledge, and coordinated support systems.

Implementation is being carried out by a consortium of partners, including ECOTRUST, NIRAS International Consulting Uganda, Havilah Company Limited, and Green Life International, who are working together to ensure efficient seedling supply, farmer training and field coordination.

As distribution of seedlings continues across the district, ECOTRUST and partners are supporting farmers with technical guidance and monitoring to ensure successful establishment of the woodlots. For communities in Kikuube, this initiative represents more than just tree planting, it is a pathway to improved incomes and livelihoods, and stronger climate resilience.