Pader targets five million trees in five-year restoration drive

22 May 2026, 8:49 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Pader District has set a target of planting five million trees over the next five years as part of efforts to restore degraded landscapes, improve livelihoods, and strengthen climate resilience through large-scale tree growing initiatives.

Speaking during the inception meeting of the Forest Landscape Restoration Hub project activities at the district headquarters on Thursday, Alfred Akena, the district chairperson, said the district plans to combine timber and fruit tree planting to increase forest cover while creating economic opportunities for communities.

Akena said the five-million-tree target forms part of his administration’s broader environmental restoration agenda and called on communities, leaders, and development partners to support the initiative.

He made the remarks during the inception meeting for the Forest Landscape Restoration Hub project, a five-year global initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes while supporting livelihoods through conservation-based economic activities.

According to Akena, the district intends to revive its central nursery and training centre to provide seedlings and practical training to farmers, youth, and communities interested in tree planting.

Akena emphasised that leaders must take an active role in environmental restoration rather than merely mobilising communities.

He further urged residents to embrace tree planting not only for environmental restoration but also as a source of income, saying commercial tree growing and fruit farming could improve household livelihoods across the district.

Meanwhile, James Omoding the senior program officer International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasised the need to promote tree species that provide economic benefits to communities while safeguarding environmental sustainability.

He noted that communities are more likely to protect trees if they generate income.

However, he cautioned against promoting tree species that could negatively affect food security, particularly among smallholder farmers with limited land.

He said commercial tree species are more suitable for farmers with larger land holdings, while smallholder farmers should be encouraged to plant species compatible with their farming systems.

Omoding cited teak as one of the valuable long-term investments for farmers.

Also speaking at the meeting, Freddie Stephen Okello welcomed Akena’s tree-planting agenda and pledged support for the initiative.

Okello said leaders at the community level would work closely with the district leadership to sensitise residents on the benefits of tree planting.

Among those who attended the meeting were Boniface Pule assistant resident district Commissioner Pader, community leaders, and residents from Angagura subcounty.