Plant trees to mitigate global warming-ECOTRUST urge

23 June 2026, 4:53 pm

By Golden Vicky Ayiro

Community members under the Pur-Lonyo initiative supported by Ecotrust Uganda have intensified calls for increased tree planting and adoption of agroforestry practices as effective measures to combat global warming and environmental degradation.

During a community farmer programme discussion on afforestation and agroforestry under Farmers’ Voice Radio (FVR) project in Agago district, farmers and environmental advocates emphasized the importance of integrating trees with crop farming to restore soil fertility, improve rainfall patterns, and protect the environment from the effects of climate change.

Speakers noted that indiscriminate cutting of trees has contributed to rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, soil erosion, and reduced agricultural productivity in many communities. They encouraged households, schools, and local leaders to support tree planting campaigns and protect existing forests.

The programme highlighted agroforestry as a sustainable farming practice that allows farmers to grow trees alongside crops and livestock, helping to increase farm income while conserving the environment. Farmers were encouraged to plant fruit trees, shade trees, and fast-growing species that can provide firewood, timber, and improve air quality.

FVR coordinator urge farmers

Marion Akol Ongom, FVR project coordinator for Agago district notes that some farmers imitate colleagues while planting trees but would be more impactful if they know its benefits. She says the reduction in the number of trees alleviate the level of global warming.  

Akol urged farmers to plant trees at individual capacities so that we collectively combat global warming and climate change.

Farmers identifies roles of trees

Adong Florence, a farmer from Acholpii village Arum sub-county identifies human activities like bush burning, gas emitted from industries, motorcycles, cars as some factors that lead to global warming. She calls upon the community to refrain from such acts and rather plant trees to cope up with the current climatic challenges.

Nyeko David, another farmer from Kalagum Parish in Kuywee sub-county says trees not only provide timber but also gives shade and a source of fruits like ovacado, jackfruit.

Otoo Yovanni, a farmer from Nam parish supplements on the benefits of trees. He says trees like shea trees provide herbal medicines which helps in saving the available household income adding that they are habitats to wild animals, and also increase soil fertility by reducing the speed of run-offs- soil erosion.

Call for collective efforts in mitigating global warming

Participants also appealed to government agencies, cultural leaders, and development partners to continue supporting environmental conservation programmes through provision of tree seedlings and community sensitization.

Environmental experts say afforestation and agroforestry remain among the most affordable and practical approaches to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of global warming, especially in rural farming communities heavily affected by climate change.