Adjumani District Exceeds Woodlot Targets, Leading Northern Uganda's Forestry Drive

Adjumani District has taken the lead in Northern Uganda’s forestry sector by exceeding its five-year tree-planting target as part of the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Woodlots Programme. The district successfully established 544 hectares of woodlots, surpassing the initial goal of 368 hectares.

The IFPA-CD programme, a collaboration between the Ugandan Government, the Ministry of Water and Environment, and the World Bank, aims to boost sustainable forest management, increase tree cover, and generate economic opportunities for communities adjacent to refugee settlements.

Other districts also saw considerable success. Amuru established 482 hectares against a target of 412, Moyo planted 219 against 184, Lamwo reached 291 hectares against 255, and Obongi nearly doubled its target, planting 160 hectares instead of the planned 93.

Despite challenges, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme achieved these results. Denis Emmanuel Oweka, the Regional Coordinator for IFPA-CD in the West Nile North-East region, stated the project’s objective is to provide much-needed timber, poles, and firewood to refugee-hosting areas, simultaneously enhancing tree cover and mitigating climate change.

The programme operates on the principle of treating tree growing as a business. Communities near refugee settlements are encouraged to supply forest products directly to camps, creating a valuable income stream. This initiative was executed by a consortium including NIRAS, ECOTRUST, Havilah Company Limited, and Green Life International, with ECOTRUST focusing on community engagement and training farmers in commercial forestry practices.

Farmers received practical training on land preparation, proper planting techniques, and pest management to ensure high survival rates and productivity. They were introduced to fast-growing eucalyptus varieties for quicker returns and high-value teak for long-term timber production. Beyond economic benefits, these woodlots are expected to contribute to carbon sequestration and environmental resilience.

The success in Adjumani and other districts demonstrates a growing acceptance of commercial forestry as a viable livelihood strategy, particularly in areas facing pressure on natural resources. The established plantations offer a foundation for future investments in sustainable forestry and landscape restoration.

Source: Nile Post