Kibaale district strengthens tree-planting efforts under climate-smart development

16 December 2025, 10:50 am

By Kato Joseph

Kibaale

Kibaale District has intensified tree-planting efforts as part of the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Project, funded by the World Bank.

According to Juliet Nakate, the District Forest Officer, Kibaale’s forest cover currently stands at 60%, comprising both natural forest reserves and privately owned forests.

However, Nakate explained that the district continues to experience an annual 5% rate of forest loss, mainly due to cultivation pressures and a growing population. She added that the IFPA-CD Project was introduced to relieve pressure on forest reserves by restoring degraded areas and encouraging communities to adopt climate-smart practices.

The IFPA-CD Project, which began in 2020 and runs until 2026, focuses on restoring Kangombe and Nyakarongo forest reserves in Kibaale District.

Restoration efforts are led by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the National Forestry Authority (NFA). In addition, agroforestry initiatives are being implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Kasimbi, Nyamarunda, and Mugarama sub-counties.

Through this programme, CRS has distributed 220,000 indigenous seedlings, including mahogany, alongside fruit trees, cocoa, and coffee seedlings to 210 farmers.

During a community meeting at Kabasekende Sub county headquarters, Nakate encouraged farmers to plant trees on their land, noting that afforestation not only supports conservation but can also supplement household income.

Noel Isingoma, Kibaale District Project Coordinator, highlighted that tree planting both at home and on farms offers long-term benefits, including timber, fruits, and potential revenue from carbon credits.

Representing the farmers, Byamukama Kitone, Parish Coordinator of Kabasekende Sub county, urged community members to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the trainings.