In a bid effort to conserve and protect the environment, HOCADEO with support from Misereor under the Farmers and Environmental Protection (FEP) project, has provided over 22,500 indigenous tree seedlings to farmers in the oil and gas host Districts of Hoima, Kikuube, and Buliisa.
The provision of tree seedlings exercise, targeted 19 project villages as part of a broader initiative aimed at contributing to restoration and rehabilitation of degraded landscapes and environment considering communities’ resilience to the effects of Climate change.
Speaking to our reporter, Akugizibwe Victor, on the FEP project staff at HOCADEO, is optimistic that this initiative will contribute to improving livelihoods, food security as well as emissions capture.
“This is not just about planting trees, it is about empowering communities to become stewards of their environment. With oil and gas activities intensifying in our region, ‘‘it’s critical to work with farming communities to upgrade and improve existing practices and integrate trees into various farming systems to improve soil and water management” he said.
− Facilitation of community dialogues and sensitization activities to address climate change related risks, human-ecosystem conflicts and stimulate adoption of regenerative practices − Community advocacy for relevant policies and by-laws that support sustainable land management − Climate stakeholders use of evidence and learnings for planning All this work will contribute to reducing erosion, improving crop yields, promoting crop diversification, and diversifying income sources particularly for women and youth.
Akugizibwe adds that HOCADEO has also conducted extensive sensitization and training sessions on agroforestry and assisted natural regeneration where farmers can assist existing tree stumps to grow into trees, facilitate dialogues on environmental protection.
He says HOCADEO is planning to distribute more indigenous tree seedlings in the next planting season of September–October–November (SOND) 2025.
Among the notable beneficiaries of the project is His Grace Stanley Ntagali, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Church of Uganda and a resident of Butimba East who applauded HOCADEO for what he described as a timely and noble intervention.
“In this era of climate change, environmental conservation is not optional,” he remarked. “I urge all beneficiaries to nurture these tree seedlings so they serve their intended purpose.”
The project has been widely praised by community members including Turyatemba Leodinas, a farmer from Kyakatemba village in Kikuube District who expressed gratitude for the indigenous tree species provided.
“Many of these species were nearly lost due to charcoal burning, farming, and timber cutting, this initiative will help restore our native tree cover,” he said.
In Buliisa District, Kamanyire Serinah of Kichooke village noted the medicinal value of some of the distributed species. “Some of these trees help treat complicated diseases, we are grateful for receiving them,” she said
Meanwhile, Jakisa Moses, a youth from Katooke village in Hoima District, commended the project for including young people in conservation efforts.
“Youth are often left out in such programs, I’m thankful that HOCADEO is involving us in protecting our environment.”
HOCADEO is working with a team of 20 Community Action Researchers, who will closely monitor the growth and survival of the planted trees.
