Lango Farmers Embrace Agroforestry to Boost Yields, Climate Resilience

30 December 2025, 4:47 pm

By Odota Adubango Mourine

Farmers in Alebtong and Lira districts in the Lango sub-region are increasingly embracing agroforestry as a climate-smart approach to improve crop yields, restore degraded soils, and strengthen resilience to changing weather patterns.

In Barwot Village, Orit Parish, Agweng Sub County in Lira district, 40 farmers under the Lonyo Dag Nyeko Farmers’ Group are practicing agroforestry with support from Kijjani Forestry, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Farm Radio International, and other partners.

The group chairperson, Ketty Adong, says members are conserving indigenous tree species while planting fruit trees such as avocado, jackfruit, citrus, and mango, alongside timber trees like pine and Gmelina.

She explains that integrating trees with crops has improved soil fertility, enhanced household incomes, and strengthened resilience to climate variability.

A group member, Paska Justine Okabo, who grows pine trees among crops, says agroforestry plays a key role in soil conservation and provides building materials, shade, and income from timber and firewood.

She adds that trees also improve air quality by filtering pollutants, contributing to a healthier environment.

However, she notes that limited land ownership rights for rural women continue to constrain the expansion of agroforestry activities.

The area LC1 Defense Secretary, Tony Omara, observes that the area now receives more rainfall compared to the post–Lord’s Resistance Army war period, when widespread deforestation disrupted local climate patterns.

He says renewed re-afforestation and agroforestry efforts are gradually helping to restore ecological balance.

In Awielem Village, Orit Parish, Agweng Sub County, another group of 30 farmers under the Orit North Farmers’ Group is also integrating fruit and timber trees with seasonal crops, with support and training from Kijjani Forestry and IUCN.

The group chairperson, Sam Ogwal, says that since 2018, members have been planting mangoes, oranges, jackfruit, and timber species while preserving indigenous trees.

He notes that these actions have enhanced soil fertility, revived biodiversity, and contributed to improved rainfall patterns.

Ajwang Flo, a group member, says agroforestry has enabled her to earn more income through the sale of jackfruit and citrus fruits, while cassia trees have provided roofing materials for her home.

Another member, Judith Babirye, says she earns income from selling mature trees at shs 40,000 each, which has helped improve her family’s well-being.

In Alebtong district, farmers under the Alebelebe Farmers’ Group in Alebelebe Village, Omarari Parish, Omoro Sub County, are also practicing agroforestry to restore soils and prepare for future timber production.

Okwany Richard, a member of the group, says they are growing trees alongside crops with support from Kijjani Forestry, Farm Radio International, and the district environment department.

He notes that improved rainfall patterns are already being experienced, which farmers attribute to tree planting, and they expect future income from timber and charcoal.

Another group member, Okote Sam Bob, says soil fertility has improved as a result of agroforestry practices, boosting food security and supporting household livelihoods through tree-based products.

Alebtong District Forestry Officer, Stephen Oboko, says the forestry department, with support from IUCN and Kijjani Forestry, is training farmers to raise seedlings of trees such as Grevillea, Calliandra, fruit trees, and indigenous species.

He explains that these efforts aim to curb deforestation, enhance climate resilience, and improve soil health and agricultural productivity.

He adds that trees grown alongside crops support nitrogen fixation, provide fodder for livestock, and supply timber, firewood, and poles, thereby boosting incomes while protecting the environment.

Lira District Natural Resources Officer, Otike Pabious, notes that forest cover in the district has declined over the years and currently stands at only 8.9 percent.

He says the district is partnering with non-governmental organizations, farmers, and the Ministry of Water and Environment to support reforestation efforts.

To conserve remaining tree cover, Otike adds that the district is implementing an environmental ordinance enacted to curb tree cutting and regulate the trade in forest products from the district.

Ogwang David Omega, the Kijjani area coordinator for the Lira cluster comprising Lira City, Alebtong, Dokolo, Amolatar, Kaberamaido, Kalaki, and Lira districts, says that since 2021, the organization has worked with about 40,000 farmers in 30 parishes across Lango.

He explains that farmers are trained in tree planting and management with support from technical staff.

He adds that farmers who sign contracts with Kijjani Forestry are paid an annual incentive of shs 100 per tree that survives for one year and shs 200 per tree after two years and above.

Ogwang further explains that once the trees mature, Kijjani Forestry intends to buy the timber trees and also train farmers in sustainable charcoal production from other tree species, providing additional income opportunities while promoting climate-smart land use.