Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST) has awarded 14 model agroforestry farmers with ruminant goats to improve their income and livelihood in Northern and Western Uganda.
The beneficiaries are from sub-counties of Kamwenge, Nkoma, Bwizi, and Kahunge, with farmers drawn from parishes such as Bisozi, Kaberebere, Kidunduma, Mabale, Businge, Ganyenda, Kiziba, Kyabandara, Bwizi, Kyakaitaba, Ntonwa, Kiyagara, Mpanga, and Nyakahama. Through the project, each farmer received over 5,000 tree seedlings of different species, which they planted and nurtured on their farms, demonstrating strong environmental stewardship.
This is in line with Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE)implementation of Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD)Project two-year initiative funded by the World Bank.
The project falls under the component titled “Intensive Mixed Use Agroforestry Systems on Household Plots” and is designed to promote sustainable land use and climate-smart agriculture across Uganda.
The initiative is being implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) and the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST). CRS, which was contracted by the Ministry of Water and Environment as the main consultant for the project, sub-contracted ECOTRUST as a sub-consultant to manage implementation in five refugee settlement districts, including Kamwenge, Lamwo, Kagadi, Kakumiro, and Kitagwenda.
Through inclusive community engagement, the project set out to reach 87,782 households, restore 17,550 hectares of degraded land, and improve livelihoods in 19 refugee-hosting districts. As the IFPA-CD Project comes to an end after two years of implementation, ECOTRUST has recognized and celebrated 14 outstanding model farmers drawn from 14 parishes across four sub-counties in Kamwenge District for their exceptional commitment to tree planting and sustainable farming practices.
Kamwenge District LCV Chairperson Joseph Karungi commended the farmers for their dedication, noting that their efforts have made them role models within their communities. He emphasized that the 28 goats and vegetable seedlings will not only benefit individual households but will also be multiplied and shared among group members, expanding the project’s impact.
“The tree planting initiative has contributed to environmental conservation by protecting water sources, improving rainfall patterns, and supporting sustainable livelihoods, while the distribution of improved goats is expected to boost household incomes through breeding and livestock production. We encourage the beneficiaries to multiply the goats and share the benefits within their groups so that more families can benefit from this valuable initiative,” Karungi said.
Across all implementation areas, the project aimed to promote agroforestry adoption among 87,782 households. In total, 25,314 farmers were reached against a target of 25,807, demonstrating strong performance across districts. Kamwenge District emerged as the top performer, reaching 7,935 farmers compared to a target of 5,165, surpassing its target by 2,770 farmers. This reflects strong community participation and commitment to integrating trees into farming systems to improve soil fertility, food security, and climate resilience.
Under the land restoration component, the project aimed to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen ecosystem services. Kamwenge District again exceeded expectations, restoring 1,629 hectares against a target of 1,030 hectares, surpassing all other districts and exceeding its target by 599 hectares. These efforts have contributed to improved watershed protection, increased tree cover, and enhanced environmental sustainability.
One of the model farmers, Isidoro Ndyabwe from Ganyenda- Kinoni parish, shared his experience, saying, “Before ECOTRUST came, I had a coffee garden but lacked knowledge about the importance of shade trees. Through the project’s training, I learned how integrating trees into my farm could improve coffee production and protect the environment. ECOTRUST provided me with 837 tree seedlings, including mahogany, grevillea, musizi and avocado trees, and I am proud that all of them are growing well. Today, I have been recognized as one of the best-performing farmers and awarded two goats, which will further support my family’s livelihood. The project has transformed the way I farm.”
Mugabirwe Novenci, Assistant Forest Officer in Kamwenge District, also appreciated the initiative, noting that ECOTRUST’s training and distribution of tree seedlings and goats will help communities improve incomes while protecting forests. He emphasized that farmers now have alternative income sources, reducing dependence on forest destruction.
Namara Loy Batuuze, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) further commended the project, stating that ECOTRUST has done commendable work in line with government directives on tree planting. She noted that farmers have embraced the “plant five, cut one” approach encouraged by President Museveni and are already demonstrating positive results. She added that government offices, including the Chief Administrative Office (CAO), Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and Local Council 5 (LC 5), will continue to monitor and support the initiative to ensure sustained impact for communities.
