The Forest Gardens project in Uganda, led by Trees For The Future, aims to establish 400 Forest Gardens in the Mount Elgon region of Eastern Uganda. Over a four-year programme, local farmers are trained to create and maintain diverse forest gardens on approximately one-acre plots, incorporating vegetables and fruit trees to support their families nutritionally and financially. This initiative addresses land degradation, promotes conservation, and empowers farmers to earn more income through sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately improving their livelihoods and the local ecosystem.
Overview
Situated in East Africa along the shores of Lake Victoria, Uganda is a landlocked nation with a rapidly growing population that now exceeds 45 million. A significant portion of its inhabitants, over 20%, reside near the capital city, Kampala. The country's demographic profile has dramatically transformed since the mid-20th century, with the population increasing nearly ninefold since 1950.
Notably, Uganda's population remains predominantly youthful, with almost 70% under the age of 25.
The eastern region of Uganda, particularly the area surrounding Mount Elgon, faces severe environmental challenges. Extensive deforestation and over-cultivation have led to significant land degradation.
The high population density in this region exerts considerable pressure on the land, resulting in widespread barrenness. This degradation is primarily attributed to overgrazing, excessive harvesting of trees for firewood, and the intensive mono-cropping of specific plants such as bananas and coffee. The environmental deterioration has had dire consequences, including deadly landslides that pose a serious threat to nearby communities.
The root of this land degradation can be traced to a conflict between harmful agricultural practices and the needs of local populations and ecosystems. Many of these detrimental farming methods, such as monocultures, are remnants of colonial-era impositions that continue to impact the region. This clash highlights the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices that balance environmental conservation with the well-being of local communities.
Promoting sustainable livelihoods in Uganda with forest gardens that blend environmental conservation and community well-being. Photo credits to Ecologi.
The forest garden project
This initiative focuses on creating 400 Forest Gardens in eastern Uganda's Mount Elgon area. Each garden, spanning approximately one hectare, is cultivated and maintained by local farmers who receive training and support over a four-year period.
Upon completion of the programme, participants have established a protected Forest Garden, which provides sustenance for their families and generates crucial income. Simultaneously, the diverse tree species planted within these 400 gardens offer valuable ecosystem services, such as soil stabilisation and carbon sequestration.
The project anticipates planting roughly 1.6 million trees throughout its four-year duration in the Mbale region. This approach addresses immediate environmental concerns and promotes long-term sustainable agricultural practices and economic stability for local communities.
Young tree seedlings with vibrant green leaves flourish in nursery bags at a Trees for the Future forest garden project in Uganda. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Implementation
A US-based charitable organisation Trees for Future, leads this initiative, focusing on supporting farming families in areas with severely degraded land. The organisation employs a well-established 'Forest Garden' approach, guiding farmers in creating protective natural barriers around their agricultural plots.
This comprehensive four-year programme teaches participants to diversify their land with a variety of vegetables and fruit trees, enhancing their families' nutritional and financial outcomes. The methodology serves multiple purposes: it educates farmers about conservation practices, increases their income by selling diverse produce, and fosters a sense of pride and attachment to their newly created Forest Gardens.
This programme aims to transform degraded landscapes into thriving, sustainable agricultural systems that benefit local communities and the environment by combining practical skills, environmental awareness, and economic incentives.
A joyful Ugandan farmer showcases seeds for forest garden planting as part of Trees for the Future's environmental restoration initiative. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Key objectives
Environmental restoration
To address land degradation and deforestation, 400 Forest Gardens, each approximately one hectare in size, will be established in the Mount Elgon region of Eastern Uganda.
Sustainable livelihoods
Over four years, the project will have trained and supported local farmers to create and maintain Forest Gardens, offering them a reliable source of nutrition and income.
Climate change mitigation
Plant an estimated 1.6 million trees across the project area, contributing to carbon sequestration and delivering vital ecosystem services such as soil stabilisation.
Project impact
Environmental impact
The project is making substantial contributions to environmental restoration and conservation. It aims to plant an estimated 1.6 million trees across 400 Forest Gardens, each about one hectare in size. This initiative is restoring degraded agricultural land and offsetting local deforestation. By incorporating diverse native and naturalised tree species, the project is enhancing regional biodiversity. The agroforestry practices employed are improving soil fertility and reducing erosion. Furthermore, the project contributes to carbon sequestration, with each hectare of Forest Garden capturing an average of 62.8 tonnes of carbon over 20 years.
Social impact
The project is positively affecting local communities in several ways. It empowers farmers, particularly women and youth, through comprehensive training and capacity-building programmes. Food security has significantly improved, with a 73% increase in the first year and a 300% increase in dietary diversity within two years. The initiative enhances climate resilience for participating communities and provides alternative livelihoods, thereby reducing dependency on unsustainable practices. Moreover, it fosters a sense of pride and ownership among farmers for their Forest Gardens.
Economic impact
The Forest Gardens approach is delivering significant economic benefits. Farmers' incomes have increased by an average of 400% throughout the project. The diverse crops grown in Forest Gardens generate £800-£1,600 per acre, compared to £160-£320 from monocultures. New income streams have been created through activities such as beekeeping and sustainable wood production. By reducing reliance on single crops, farmers are becoming more resilient to market fluctuations. Additionally, the project is providing employment opportunities in forest restoration and related activities.
Young plants growing in rich red soil demonstrate forest garden techniques as part of an eco-friendly farming initiative by Trees for the Future. Photo credits to Ecologi.
UN Sustainable development goals
The project aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
1 - No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2 - Zero Hunger: Rethink how we grow, share and consume our food, providing nutritious food for all
3 - Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4 - Quality Education: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality education
5 - Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
10 - Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries
11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
13 - Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
15 - Life on Land: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Read more about the UN sustainability development goals.
Verification and Location
Location: Mbale, Uganda
Photo Credits: Ecologi
FAQ’s
How can individuals or organisations contribute financially to the Forest Gardens in Uganda project?
Individuals and organisations can support the project through Ecologi's platform or by contacting them directly for donation options.
What is being done to mitigate climate risks for the forests in Uganda?
The project is implementing forest gardens, which involve planting trees on degraded land. This approach helps draw down carbon, supports biodiversity, addresses human needs for firewood, food, and medicine, and provides ecosystem services such as flood and drought protection.
How does Uganda's geography affect its vulnerability to climate change and impact conservation efforts?
Climate change poses significant risks to Uganda's biodiversity and conservation efforts, with increased intensity and spread of fires being the most pronounced indirect impact, causing changes in plant and animal species composition, distribution, and abundance across protected areas.
How does the project ensure the long-term sustainability of its conservation efforts?
The project aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including promoting sustainable economic growth and sustainably managing forests, which suggests a focus on long-term sustainability. However, specific details on sustainability measures are not provided in the search results.
What educational programmes does the Forest Gardens in Uganda project run?
The programme teaches participants to diversify their land with a variety of vegetables and fruit trees, enhancing both nutritional and financial outcomes for their families. It educates farmers about conservation practices, increases their income through the sale of diverse produce, and fosters a sense of pride and attachment to their newly created Forest Gardens.
How does the project select its partners to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices?
The project aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, promoting sustainable agriculture, ensuring healthy lives, achieving gender equality, promoting economic growth, reducing inequality, creating sustainable communities, combating climate change, and sustainably managing forests.