World Vision trains communities in land restoration in Pader and Agago

11 April 2025, 10:26 am

By Odong Daniel

World Vision Uganda, in partnership with the Austrian Foundation, has engaged stakeholders in Pader and Agago districts in a three-day training on Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), aimed at equipping them with practical knowledge and skills.

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a low-cost land restoration technique used to combat poverty and hunger among poor farmers by increasing food and timber production and improving resilience to climate extremes.

According to a 2024 baseline survey, Pader has over 7,958 hectares and Agago 8,538 hectares of land. Land degradation both a symptom and a cause of climate change is one of the most pressing environmental problems and continues to perpetuate the intergenerational cycle of poverty.

A total of 48 community groups from Agago and Pader have been trained and have become champions in land regeneration in their respective parishes, with support from subcounty leaders.

Komakech David Lam, one of the participants, told Luo FM that one of the major causes of climate change in the Acholi region is deforestation, which has led to the loss of most indigenous trees in Acholi land.

FMNR uses agroforestry, the deliberate integration of trees and shrubs into farming systems. However, in FMNR, the trees do not need to be purchased; their seeds already exist in the soil.

Olanya Simon, the FMNR Project Officer, explained that FMNR involves the systematic regrowth and management of trees and shrubs from felled tree stumps, sprouting root systems, or seeds. He added that beneath the soil of many farmlands lies a rich expanse of living tree stumps, roots, and seeds. When given the chance by avoiding burning (which destroys regrowth), improper harvesting of ‘suckers,’ and continuous livestock grazing farmers can regenerate a desirable density of useful trees on their farms quickly and at minimal cost.

These regrown trees and shrubs are then integrated into crops and grazing pastures, helping to restore soil structure and fertility, reduce erosion and soil moisture loss, rehabilitate springs and groundwater, and increase biodiversity.

Mr. James Nabinson Kidega, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Agago district, urged local leaders to ensure the enforcement of by-laws and government acts that protect endangered tree species. He emphasised the need to preserve species like the Shea tree for future generations.

The FMNR is a five-year project (2023–2028) supported by World Vision Austria and is being implemented in eight districts: Pader, Agago, Oyam, Kole, Omoro, and Bugiri.