Building Climate Resilience Through Agroforestry
The Building Climate Resilience Through Agroforestry project addresses climate change challenges in Uganda’s Kasese and Bunyangabu districts by introducing agroforestry practices. The project trains smallholder farmers to combine trees and crops, improving soil health and enhancing their resilience to climate stress.
The project enables smallholder farmers to establish and manage sustainable agroforestry systems that boost climate resilience.
SAFI partnered with a nursery operator to raise tree seedlings suited to the local environment. In two Rwenzori districts, SAFI selected 47 farmers, provided in-depth agroforestry training, and offered ongoing project support. Each farmer received part of the 3,047 fruit and timber seedlings. SAFI monitored tree survival rates and project outcomes through follow-up visits.
The project directly addressed climate change’s adverse effects on agriculture. Agroforestry offers practical solutions. The project reduced soil erosion by integrating trees within farms. Established trees enrich soil fertility through organic decomposition and nitrogen fixation.
Agroforestry systems help farmers counter climate risks by improving soil moisture retention, stabilizing temperatures, and shielding crops from wind and rainfall. These methods increase resilience to shifting weather patterns.
Despite unexpected funding gaps that ended the project early, its foundation in farmer education and resource provision provides strong prospects for future expansion. The project leaves a legacy of equipping farmers with the skills and resources for a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
The initiative can significantly enhance the region’s long-term agricultural development and food security by promoting agroforestry practices.
