Hoima Farmers Turn to Climate-Smart Woodlots as ECOTRUST Drives Commercial Tree Planting

By Uganda Today Reporter

A Farmer’s Long Battle with Termites

For over a decade, Akuzimbire Samuel has grappled with a stubborn and costly challenge on his farm in Kibengeya Parish, Kapaapi Sub-county, Hoima District. Termites have persistently ravaged his crops—from maize fields to eucalyptus trees—undermining both productivity and household income.

Season after season, the losses mounted, leaving the farmer searching for a sustainable solution to secure his livelihood.

A New Season, A New Strategy

This planting season, however, marks a turning point.

With the onset of the April rains, Akuzimbire has embraced a bold transition—converting part of his land into a commercial woodlot. As a parish farmer coordinator, he is not only adopting change but also leading it. So far, he has planted over 400 pine trees, a species he considers more resilient to termite attacks and better suited for long-term financial returns.

Backed by Climate-Smart Forestry Initiatives

Akuzimbire’s transformation is supported by the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Woodlots (IFPA-CD) programme—an initiative implemented by the Government of Uganda in partnership with the National Environment Management Authority and the World Bank.

The programme promotes commercial forestry as a sustainable alternative, aimed at reducing pressure on natural forests while enhancing rural incomes.

A key implementing partner, ECOTRUST, works alongside Green Life International and NIRAS International Consulting Uganda to provide farmers with the technical knowledge required to establish and manage woodlots effectively.

Science Meets Farming: Tackling Termites

To address the persistent termite threat, technical teams intervened early by treating the soil before planting. This critical step protects young seedlings during their most vulnerable stage, significantly reducing early losses.

By improving root establishment and survival rates, the intervention is helping farmers like Akuzimbire build resilient, climate-smart woodlots capable of withstanding environmental stresses.

A Family Investment for Generations

For Akuzimbire, the decision to venture into commercial forestry goes beyond individual gain—it is a family commitment.

“In my family, we work as a team, and we reached this decision through mutual understanding with my wife and I as the leaders of the family. It is important because they will be involved in taking care of the trees to maturity. Even when I am not around, the trees will survive because my family members understand their value,” he explains.

This shared responsibility ensures continuity, sustainability, and long-term benefits for the household.

From Firewood to Timber Wealth

The economic potential of the woodlot is both immediate and long-term.

As the pine trees grow, routine pruning will provide firewood for domestic use—reducing household energy costs. In the years ahead, mature trees will be harvested for timber, opening up a steady income stream.

“We specifically selected the pine trees because they provide timber. When they mature, I will be in position to sell this timber and get money to invest in other businesses but also take care of my family. Even before that, when we prune the trees as they grow, we will be able to obtain firewood to use at home,” Akuzimbire notes.

A Buffer Against Forest Encroachment

Akuzimbire’s farm holds added environmental significance. Located just two meters from a government forest reserve, his woodlot serves as a protective buffer against encroachment.

By meeting his household’s wood needs independently, he reduces the incentive to exploit nearby protected areas.

“With my own woodlot, I don’t need to go to the reserves for firewood. As the forest coordinator for my region, I will work hard to ensure there is no encroachment in the reserve,” he pledges.

Partnerships Powering Rural Transformation

Through a collaborative approach involving ECOTRUST, NIRAS International Consulting Uganda, Green Life International, and Havilah Company Limited, the IFPA programme is steadily transforming rural livelihoods.

Farmers are receiving critical support—from land measurement and pest control solutions to technical training—enabling them to turn vulnerable land into profitable, climate-smart investments.

A Future Rooted in Sustainability

The shift towards commercial tree planting in Hoima signals a broader transformation taking root across Uganda’s rural landscape. It is a future where communities are not only protecting forests but actively benefiting from them.

For farmers like Akuzimbire, the journey from loss to resilience is already underway—one pine tree at a time.

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