Business & Management
Mak implored to research into the Centralization of Forest Governance in Uganda
Mpigi District Local Government and stakeholders in the forestry sector want Environmental economists from Makerere University to conduct research into the impacts of centralizing the governance of national forests in Uganda.
According to section 54 (1) a of the National Forestry Act, 2003, management of all Central Forest Reserves is the mandate of National Forestry Authority (NFA) whereas that of Local Forest Reserves is the direct responsibility of the district forest officer as specified under section 48 (3) e of National Forestry Act, 2003. All forestry activities are guided by the National Forestry Policy 2001.
Poor forest governance has been blamed for the depletion of the ecosystem in Uganda. The people of Mpigi contend that since government mandated NFA to manage national forests, most of the forests have been depleted and they want national forests governance decentralized.
To achieve this districts officials and stakeholders say, Makerere University should conduct research into the impact of centralizing national forest governance to provide evidence for policy change. This call was made during the policy dialogue held at the district chambers organized by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak) Centre on 22nd November 2022. The university team was led by the Director represented by Dr. John Sseruyange.
The meeting brought together representatives of the district political and technical arms, civil society organizations, the private sector, elders and opinion leaders, farmers leaders under the theme, “Forestry and Biodiversity: Addressing Challenges of Forest degradation and Enhancing Environmental Management in Uganda”.
The participants discussed the key governance issues in the forestry sector, how communities can be strengthened to participate in forest recovery programs and what best forest restoration mechanisms should be adopted to revert the forest destruction trends in Uganda.
Governance here referred to, “the norms, institutions, and processes that determine how power and responsibilities over forests are exercised, how decisions are taken and how citizens – including women, men, youth, indigenous people and local communities – secure access to, participate in, and are impacted by the management of forests”
Presenting the status of forests in Mpigi district, the Chief Administrative Officer represented by the District Natural Resources Officer Mwidyeki Anthony said the management of forests in Mpigi has been so challenging and has on a number of occasions raised many issues involving NFA, the district and the community living adjacent to the forests.
“It should be noted that, the once thick forests in Mpigi district which had a collection of Muvule, Setaala, Musizi and other indigenous tree species have and are still gradually being reduced to empty land or replaced with eucalyptus trees for many reasons.
The natural forests reported that indigenous species that had survived for ages are now being abruptly ruined. This tragedy has befallen all the natural forests in Mpigi, a district once blessed with a wide range of biodiversity. Most natural forests in Muduuma and Kiringente have completely gone”, Mwidyeki submitted.
Mwidyeki explained that all the central forest reserves in Mpigi district with exception of Mpanga forest have been faced with the problem of encroachment in form of cultivation, grazing and settlement while in most of all the reserves, conflicts resulting from unclear boundaries are very common and have sometimes resulted in court cases leading to loss of time and money.
The vegetation cover of most Central Reserve Forests in Mpigi according to Mwidyeki have been changed into eucalyptus plantations, boundary markers uprooted, increasing forest encroachment, land grabbing and conflicts between NFA staff and communities living adjacent to these forests.
Besides population pressure that has increased the demand for fire wood, charcoal and land for settlement, Mwidyeki alleged that there has been creation of illegal land tittles in these reserves, construction of roads and industrialization.
Mwidyeki however highlighted a number of initiatives undertaken to promote forestry. These included; Sensitization and training of communities in forestry management, distribution of tree seedlings across the district, establishment of the district nursery bed, training and supervision of nursery owners on acquisition of quality tree seed and conducting routine inspections to detect and deter illegal forestry activities.
Representing the Director, EfD Mak Centre, Research Fellow Dr. John Sseruyange underscored the importance of forests as major stores of atmospheric carbon contributing to the regulation of climate change, water quantity, mitigating the effects of high flows in wet periods and low flows in the dry periods.
He said forests contribute to soil and water protection and biodiversity conservation and supply well over 90% of Uganda’s energy requirements in the form of fuel wood.
“Sustainably managed forests give environmental benefits, sustainable economic development and improve the quality of life of people across the country”, Dr. Sseruyange said
Sseruyange reported that the Uganda forestry sector reforms (1998 – 2003) aimed at providing more efficient and effective forest administration, management and utilization of Uganda’s forest resources, through: The Forestry Policy (2001), The National Forestry Plan (2002),
The NFTPA (2003) and a new institutional framework for the management of forestry resources in the country.
These resulted in the birth of institutions such as: The NFA, the UWA, the DFS, private forest owners and community forests owners which distributed responsibilities between the central government, local government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, community based organizations and the local communities.
The reforms according to Sseruyange aimed at promoting multi-stakeholder participation, transparency, integrity and professionalism in management of the forestry sector.
“Despite these good intentions, the forest estate in Uganda has continued to shrink from 4.9 million hectares in 1990 to currently 2.3 million hectares, NFA (2015) a loss of over half of the forests in a span of 25 years. …. However, over this period, 46% of protected woodlands- mostly those under NFA, were lost.
The reasons for this decline are mostly attributed to poor forest governance, and particularly problems with forest law enforcement and governance, and associated institutional issues” , He stated.
The main causes of deforestation according to Dr. Sseruyange relate to issues of governance in the forestry sector, illegal and unregulated trade of forest products and the unsecured forest tenure rights. Other issues are the conversion of forest land to other land use types such as agriculture and urbanization, and rampant felling of trees for firewood and charcoal burning.
In her closing remarks the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Maria Lubega described the dialogue as timely, thanked the university for choosing Mpigi, pledging the district commitment to support efforts geared towards restoring the environment.
Lubega wants an evidence based report on forest governance from Makerere University for presentation to the relevant government organs.
“Two weeks ago, the President sent someone from his office to come because he was interested in the environment restoration, and we are working on this report. When the report about this dialogue is ready share with us because it is timely, and I shall share with it directly with the president because NFA is just an authority and the other one is a fountain of honor so we shall take our views to the president”. She said.
Participants speak out
During the panel and plenary discussions participants expressed the need to decentralize the management of all forest reserves to the district.
“The forest sector is the least funded. Officers vehicles get stuck with no fuel. The moral fabric of the people of Mpigi is filled with, I don’t care attitude. NFA has been nicknamed as “nfa” meaning I am dying. NFA efforts are not coordinated with the district office. The District Natural resources officer should have been a member of NFA, there is a lot of political interference while implementing policies with orders from above”, The District Senior Entomologist Onyango Oluoch decried.
The District Forestry Officer Ssengendo Micheal says the major issue is governance.
“When you look back, the forests were intact and management was proper. All regulations were being followed. With the new changes in the policy of 2001 when they brought in NFA, that is where we all lost it because there was confusion and no coordination because of the bad governance.
The first thing we need to do is to revert back the old system. We need to have staff at every level. We need the forest guards, forest rangers but all these were reduced by two per district which is really over whelming when it gets to implementation of our forest management”.
Nsamba Benon, a Political leader says, districts had powers to safeguard forests but more damage has been done when powers were shifted from local government to central government.
“Ever since NEMA took over, there is a very big damage on our forests as compared to long ago. It is our mandate to protect the environment. The business of centralizing powers has done more harm than good to our country.
It is possible to bring all stakeholders to board to protect the environment but it cannot be possible if people are seeing non-residents cutting away indigenous trees planting and owning eucalyptus trees. The biggest issue here is policy. It should be reversed and our Forest Officer takes charge”.
Opinion leader, Frank Kawooya says the laws are weak and segregatively applied to a few.
“These laws are weak. Those who are supposed to manage forests cut the forests and replace them with eucalyptus. Now we see that forests have begun being shared. Am touched, in the past forestry students at Makerere would not be awarded degrees without coming to study in Lwamata forest . Today no child ever comes to study because forests are no more.”
The District Environmental Police Commandant says those mandated to guard the forest are the ones that cut the trees. He is opposed to the idea of replacing natural forests by eucalyptus and says enforcement is also problem.
“In 1924 we had an inventory for counting trees in Masaka. We counted trees about 2000. There is a forest called Buzilango but, of recent when went there, I found that there are people living there. It was no longer a forest for government. Forest guards are the ones who cut trees and sell to bakeries and schools. Eucalyptus is not good because they drain water at a high speed and, were introduced by industrialists who wanted to build industries.
But we of enforcement have a problem. You go and see a person with a car carrying timber and there is no legal document showing. When you stop the car, you will hear the person referring you to talk to another person. Sometimes there is collaboration with NFA and timber dealers connected from above. I suggest the powers should be brought back, decentralize forest reserves so that districts own, oversee and manage the forests. We need to sensitisize masses to look beyond financial gains but the future generation because in 50 years, we may not have any natural forest”.
A representative from the NGO forum called for sensitisation of the people on district and national forests.
“Different roles must be emphasized. Demarcations for individual, district and national forests must be emphasized. After sensitization they will know the species to plant”.
The District Farmers’ Chairperson Stella Nantamba says farmers are in weather crisis.
“Farmers rely on land. Soil is infertile, weather patterns have changed and many have resorted to forests and wetlands. Information given to farmers is distorted and weather changes are adverse Intervention requires adoption of agroforestry for environmental conservation and food security”.
But for teacher Emmanuel, charity begins at home and community. Sensitization form the community level will help children internalize the importance of forests.
“There is need for mindset change of those mandated to protect the environment so that children learn from them. Privatization of forests should be discouraged to save forests”, he said.
Agriculture & Environment
Environmental Officers from Eastern Uganda Retooled on Valuation and Accounting of Natural Resources
March 26, 2026 – Soroti, Uganda
Environmental and natural resource officers from Eastern Uganda have undergone intensive training on economic valuation, evaluation, and accounting of natural resources, in a move aimed at strengthening evidence-based environmental management at district level.
The training, held at Jasmine Hotel in Soroti, brought together district environmental officers, forestry officers, agricultural officers, planners and natural resource managers from at ten districts, including Palisa, Butebo, Busia, Bukedea, Jinja, Mbale, Kapchorwa, Iganga, and Soroti.
Organised by Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda and funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the capacity-building initiative seeks to equip local government officers with practical tools to better manage natural resources amid growing environmental pressures.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Dr. Peter Babyenda, representing the EfD Centre Director and Principal Investigator Prof. Edward Bbaale, emphasized the importance of continuous skills development among environmental practitioners.
He noted that while many officers already possess foundational knowledge, refresher training is essential in a rapidly evolving field. “Capacity building is critical. We must keep reminding ourselves and sharing experiences so that we remain relevant and effective in our roles,” he said.
The training focused on key areas including environmental valuation and evaluation, environmental accounting, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. According to Babyenda, the programme was informed by a prior survey that revealed significant skills gaps among district officers, particularly in valuing natural resources such as wetlands and forests.
Babyenda stressed that the ability to quantify the economic value of natural resources is crucial for informed decision-making. “If districts can assess and assign value to resources like swamps and forests, it strengthens national planning and ensures these resources are not undervalued or degraded,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of cost-benefit analysis in guiding policy decisions. “When policymakers ask for alternatives to resource exploitation, officers must be equipped to present evidence-based scenarios that balance conservation and development,” he explained.
The training also introduced participants to emerging concepts such as circular economy practices, where waste is transformed into valuable resources. Dr. Babyenda cited examples of innovations in waste management, including the conversion of human waste into energy and organic fertilizer.
“Gone are the days when waste was simply discarded. Today, every form of waste has value from energy generation to carbon credit opportunities,” he noted, urging officers to embrace such innovations in their districts.
Participants were also being encouraged to leverage their new skills to attract funding for local environmental projects, including climate financing opportunities. Small grants, he noted, can support community-driven solutions to environmental challenges.
In addition, the programme underscored the role of district officers in generating data for national development frameworks. Accurate environmental data, including biodiversity indicators, is increasingly critical for Uganda’s reporting on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national planning instruments such as the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV).
“We cannot develop national indices like biodiversity indicators without your input. You are central to data collection and reporting,” Dr. Babyenda said.
He urged participants to act as change agents by sharing knowledge gained from the training with colleagues in their respective districts. “When you go back, ensure that this knowledge is cascaded. Let us leave here transformed and ready to make an impact,” he said.
The training in Soroti marks the final session in a series that has been conducted in various regions across the country, including Jinja, Masaka, Entebbe, and Arua. Babyenda expressed hope that additional funding will be secured to extend similar capacity-building initiatives to more districts.
Facilitators at the training include Dr. Nick Kilimani, who led a sessions on environmental accounting, and Ms. Alice Nalweera, who covered climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
As environmental challenges intensify due to population growth and increased demand for natural resources, experts say such trainings are essential in promoting sustainable resource use while supporting local economic development.
Environment at the Center of Uganda’s Development Agenda
Environmental economist Dr. Peter Babyenda has called for stronger efforts to value and protect Uganda’s natural resources, warning that failure to do so could undermine the country’s long-term development.
Presenting on Environmental valuation and evaluation Dr. Babyenda emphasized that the environment—defined as both living and non-living surroundings remains the backbone of economic activity and human survival.
He noted that the environment provides essential resources such as water, minerals, forests, and oil, which support livelihoods and national growth. Uganda’s recent gains in gold exports and ongoing oil developments, he said, demonstrate the economic importance of natural resources.
“The environment sustains life, supplies resources, and even determines the quality of life,” he explained, adding that areas with clean water, forests, and scenic beauty often command higher land values.
Dr. Babyenda pointed out that many people prefer living in well-preserved environments, citing high property prices near water bodies like Lake Victoria as evidence of nature’s economic value.
Poverty and Environmental Degradation
However, he stressed that poverty remains a major driver of environmental destruction. Communities often resort to deforestation and unsustainable farming practices in search of survival. “You cannot stop someone from cutting a tree for charcoal when they have nothing to eat,” he said.
Participants highlighted key environmental challenges in eastern Uganda, including poor agricultural practices, deforestation, climate change, landslides in highland areas, and flooding in low-lying regions. Many of these, he noted, are largely human-induced.
Beyond economic benefits, Dr. Babyenda underscored the importance of ecosystem services, including cultural and spiritual values. He explained that many communities derive identity, medicine, and traditions from natural resources.
Natural systems also support agriculture through soil fertility and pollination. He warned that misuse of chemicals could threaten pollinators like bees, potentially affecting food production.
With Uganda’s rising population, demand for land, food, and energy is increasing, placing pressure on forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Expanding agriculture, urbanization, and illegal logging are among the key threats.
Dr. Babyenda also noted emerging global policies requiring environmental accountability, such as traceability in coffee production to ensure crops are not grown on deforested land.
Why Environmental Valuation Matters
A central theme of the presentation was environmental valuation, the process of assigning monetary value to natural resources.
Dr. Babyenda explained that valuation helps policymakers make informed decisions, especially when balancing conservation with development. For instance, a forest may generate more long-term economic benefits than short-term gains from clearing it for agriculture.
He introduced key valuation methods such as Willingness to Pay (How much individuals would pay to access or preserve environmental resources) and Willingness to Accept: (Compensation required for losing environmental benefits).
These approaches, he said, can help quantify both direct uses like timber and tourism and indirect or non-use values, such as preserving resources for future generations.
Dr. Babyenda urged environmental officers to document and report risks proactively, noting that failure to act early often leads to severe consequences when disasters occur.
He cited Uganda’s policy framework, including Vision 2040 and environmental laws, as critical tools for sustainable management. However, he stressed that implementation requires proper data, budgeting and justification.
“Once you know the value of something, you are more likely to protect it,” he said.
The presentation concluded with a call for collective responsibility in safeguarding Uganda’s biodiversity, which includes forests, wetlands, savannahs, and national parks.
Dr. Babyenda encouraged innovation in land use, better planning, and increased investment in environmental protection, warning that the country’s future depends on how well it manages its natural wealth.
“Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand,” he said.
Environmental Accounting Key to Sustainable Development
Environmental accounting is critical for Uganda’s sustainable development, with district-level officers playing a pivotal role in safeguarding natural resources, according to environmental expert Dr. Nicholas Kilimani.
Presentation to technical officers, Dr. Kilimani emphasized that environmental management is no longer an auxiliary function but a central component of national development. “The environment in which we live affects the economy, human health and our livelihoods,” he said, warning that failure to account for natural resources could have far-reaching consequences
Dr. Kilimani highlighted the connection between ecological health and economic outcomes. “When forests are cleared or wetlands polluted, agricultural yields fall, water resources degrade, and diseases increase. This affects the economy in ways that conventional indicators like GDP often fail to capture,” he explained.
He cited examples such as unsustainable fish harvesting, pollution from industrial effluents, and deforestation, which can reduce Uganda’s revenue from exports and compromise public health. “If investors pollute water resources, fish stocks die, and we lose both income and markets,” he said, stressing the need for vigilant oversight by environmental officers.
Understanding Environmental Accounting
Central to Dr. Kilimani’s message was the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), a framework designed to integrate environmental data with economic indicators.
“This system allows us to track resources like water, forests, fish, and energy, showing both their contribution to the economy and how human activity affects them,” he said. By combining social, economic, and environmental data, policymakers and technical officers can develop evidence-based interventions and set sustainable extraction and pollution limits.
Dr. Kilimani also emphasized ecosystem accounting, which captures the benefits of natural systems beyond direct economic output. Forests, rivers, and urban parks provide services such as recreation, water purification, disease regulation, and stress relief. “These services contribute to human well-being and quality of life, even if they are not directly traded in the market,” he explained.
He stressed that understanding and communicating these services is crucial when interacting with policymakers and community leaders, including mayors and district officials, to ensure that development decisions do not compromise environmental integrity.
Concluding his presentation, Dr. Kilimani urged environmental officers to strengthen their monitoring and reporting systems, emphasizing that accountability and proper documentation are essential. “You are the gatekeepers of Uganda’s natural wealth. Proper environmental accounting ensures that resources are used sustainably, benefiting both the economy and the people,” he said.
He further emphasized that environmental protection and development must go hand in hand, warning that neglecting natural resources today could lead to irreversible losses tomorrow.
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Practical Solutions Urged for Districts
Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a reality already affecting Uganda, with unpredictable rains, crop failures, floods, and droughts impacting communities, says Alice Nalweera, an environmental expert.
Speaking to district officers, Nalweera emphasized the need for practical action in policies, plans and budgets to address both the causes and effects of climate change. “We are already experiencing the impacts. Delayed rains, extreme heat, and changing planting seasons are clear signs that climate change is here,” she said.
Nalweera distinguished between weather – the short-term state of the atmosphere and climate, which refers to long-term patterns over at least 30 years. She cited local experiences in districts such as Bulisa, where traditional planting indicators have become unreliable due to shifting rainfall patterns.
Human activities, including deforestation, industrialization, methane emissions from livestock, transport, and resource extraction, have compounded natural factors, contributing to rising temperatures, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability to diseases.
Mitigation and Adaptation Approaches
To address climate change, Nalweera outlined two main strategies. Mitigation tackles the root causes by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving forests, creating carbon sinks, and promoting energy-efficient technologies while Adaptation focuses on adjusting to the impacts, including the use of drought-resistant crops, resilient infrastructure, early warning systems for disasters and climate-smart agriculture.
“Uganda is moving toward adaptation because climate change is already a reality. Adaptation reduces vulnerability, enhances resilience, and supports sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
Nalweera highlighted climate-smart agriculture as a key tool for both adaptation and mitigation. Techniques such as agroforestry, improved composting, energy recovery from waste, and drought-resistant crops help communities maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact.
“Through climate-smart agriculture, farmers can increase productivity, protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve household incomes,” she said.
The session concluded with participatory exercises, where officers were encouraged to reflect on climate changes in their districts, identify local adaptation measures, and propose policy interventions. Nalweera stressed the importance of integrating climate risks into district development plans to ensure that communities are prepared for both current and future impacts of climate change.
“Adaptation and mitigation must go hand in hand. Practical solutions, community engagement and informed policy decisions are key to safeguarding livelihoods, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable development,” she said.
District Officers Laud Training
District environmental officers praised the training highlighting the relevance of the training to their day-to-day responsibilities and the need to integrate environmental considerations into district development planning.
Nakayenze Anna, Head of Natural Resources in Mbale District, noted, “This training has been very beneficial. It has highlighted the government’s commitment to integrating environmental reporting into our frameworks. For local governments, we now understand the importance of having the right data to inform reporting and service delivery. The challenge, however, remains in building capacity to collect and manage such data across sectors. This training is an opportunity to rethink our structures and strengthen environmental management at the district level.”
Similarly, Maganda Moses, Principal Environment Officer from Jinja District, emphasized the need to attach economic value to natural resources. “We have forests, wetlands, and Lake Victoria, but for a long time, we haven’t attached economic value to these resources. This training has shown us the importance of valuing natural resources to convince policymakers and funders to support their protection. Local governments must step forward to mobilize resources to safeguard these critical assets,” he said.
In Kapchorwa District, Chelimo Salim, Environmental officer, reflected on applying the knowledge in the field. “We have learned about environmental evaluation, valuation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. I will take this knowledge back to Kapchorwa to encourage communities to conserve the environment, plant trees and protect wetlands,” he said.
Florence, District Environment Officer in Iganga, also appreciated the practical approach of the training. “I have learned more about adaptation responses to climate change. The training was very appropriate, though I wish it could have been a little longer to allow more in-depth learning,” she said.
Edwin Masheta, a Planner in Iganga District, added that the training clarified the distinction between weather and climate. “Communities often confuse weather with climate change. This training has given me a long-term perspective, particularly on mitigation and adaptation measures. While adaptive behaviors are still limited in many communities, I believe initiatives like this will drive meaningful change at the local level,” he said.
Participants agreed that the training will inform their future planning and implementation of environmental policies, emphasizing the need for more structured capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local government roles in environmental governance.
End
Study Finds Farmers Prefer Boundary Tree Planting, Challenging Conventional Afforestation Programs
UK-based Duke University Postdoctoral Scholar Dr. Danny Tobin has highlighted the crucial role of farmers’ preferences in shaping successful tree-planting programs. Speaking at Makerere University’s Environment for Development (EfD) Centre, Tobin presented findings from a study on smallholder farmers in southern India, exploring why they choose certain tree species and planting systems within an NGO-led afforestation program.
The study titled, “Guiding Private Afforestation to raise public-Goods Provision : Exploring Farmers preferences for trees within an NGO Tree planting program in Southern India” was presented to a research seminar at Makerere University on March 9, 2026.
Dr. Tobin presented what drives communities to take up different kinds of tree species, and even the planting system that they use, either planting on the boundary, intercropping, or cluster planting these different trees, either forest trees, timber trees, or the fruit and medicinal plants.
The study revealed that smallholder farmers strongly prefer planting trees along farm boundaries rather than within their crop fields, a finding that could significantly reshape the design of afforestation and agroforestry programs aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. The research examined how farmers make decisions about tree planting on private agricultural land and found that preferences vary widely depending on farmers’ economic conditions, farming practices, and environmental challenges. The study emphasizes that tree-planting initiatives must be carefully designed to align with farmers’ priorities if they are to deliver both environmental and livelihood benefits.
The research focused on smallholder farmers living within five kilometers of two protected areas in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Using a structured survey method known as a discrete choice experiment, the study collected responses from 400 farmers who were presented with different tree-planting options, including timber, fruit, mixed species, and medicinal trees arranged in various planting patterns such as farm boundaries, intercropping within fields, or clustered plots. The results showed a clear preference for planting timber trees along farm boundaries, which farmers viewed as the least disruptive to crop production and farm management.
According to the study findings, most farmers were willing to adopt boundary planting even without financial incentives. In contrast, options that required planting trees within crop fields such as fruit intercropping or clustered mixed-species plantations generally required compensation to encourage adoption. Programs that aimed to create dense clusters of mixed trees to support biodiversity would require the highest level of incentives, as these arrangements compete directly with agricultural land use.
The study also identified several factors that influence farmers’ willingness to plant trees. Farmers with better resources such as higher income levels, irrigation systems, and higher education were generally more willing to adopt tree planting. Conversely, farmers with smaller land holdings, lower incomes, and harsher environmental conditions were less likely to adopt tree planting options. These results highlight how economic capacity and farm productivity shape decisions about integrating trees into agricultural landscapes.
Another important finding relates to human-wildlife conflict, a major challenge for farmers living near protected areas. The study found that farmers experiencing frequent wildlife damage were significantly less interested in planting fruit trees along their farm boundaries because fruit trees could attract animals such as elephants and wild boar. Instead, these farmers preferred timber trees, which they believed might help shield crops from wildlife intrusion.
Despite the overall preference for boundary planting, the research also revealed a surprising opportunity for biodiversity-focused interventions. About one-third of the farmers surveyed indicated that they would be willing to plant fruit trees inside their fields through intercropping or orchard-style arrangements without requiring compensation. This group represents a key target for programs seeking to increase tree cover and habitat connectivity in agricultural landscapes.
Based on these findings, the study recommends that afforestation programs avoid rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead of targeting farmers based on observable characteristics such as age, income, or land size which the study found to be unreliable predictors of preferences the research suggests offering farmers a menu of tree-planting options. This flexible approach would allow farmers to choose arrangements that best fit their land, resources, and risk tolerance while still contributing to environmental goals.
The study concludes that successful tree-planting programs must balance environmental objectives with farmers’ economic realities. By incorporating farmers’ preferences into program design and offering flexible participation options, policymakers and environmental organizations can increase adoption rates, improve tree survival, and enhance the long-term benefits of afforestation initiatives for both rural livelihoods and the environment.
In his welcome remarks the Director EfD Makerere Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale, underscored the importance of aligning environmental programs with farmers’ needs if afforestation initiatives are to succeed.
Prof. Bbaale said the EfD committed to rigorous research at the intersection of environment, natural resources, and economic development. He noted that the centre regularly organizes research seminars to create a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, present ongoing research, and engage in constructive academic dialogue on pressing development challenges.
Welcoming Dr. Tobin to the seminar, Bbaale highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the EfD Mak Centre and Jeffrey Vincent, Professor of Forest Economics and Management at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. He explained that the partnership has produced important research on forestry, land use, and rural livelihoods over the past several years.
He pointed to a recent joint study conducted under the leadership of Patrick Byakagaba, a Senior Research Fellow at the EfD MakCentre, which examines the livelihood impacts of forest plantations on state-owned land. The research, titled Differential Livelihood Impacts of Eucalyptus and Pine Plantations on State-Owned Land, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Forest Economics, marking what Prof. Bbaale described as the culmination of more than four years of collaborative work involving data collection and analysis.
According to Bbaale, the seminar by Dr. Tobin builds on this strong partnership and reflects the growing collaboration between Makerere researchers and international scholars. He said the study being presented was co-authored with Prof. Vincent and addresses an issue of growing global and regional importance—how tree-planting programs can be designed to meet both environmental goals and the livelihood needs of farmers.
“The topic is highly relevant, not only to the global agenda on climate change mitigation and landscape restoration, but also to policy discussions taking place in Africa and Uganda in particular,” Prof. Bbaale said. He explained that as countries expand afforestation and reforestation initiatives, it is essential to understand farmers’ incentives, preferences, and livelihood realities to ensure that such programs achieve their intended ecological and social outcomes.
He noted that research like Dr. Tobin’s provides valuable insights into how private land-use decisions can be guided to generate both private benefits for farmers and broader public goods such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and improved ecosystem services.
Prof. Bbaale also emphasized that the seminar reflects Makerere University’s growing focus on internationalization and research partnerships as the institution strengthens its position as a research-led university. He said collaborations with global institutions such as Duke University are critical for advancing knowledge, producing impactful research, and addressing complex environmental and development challenges.
He welcomed Dr. Tobin’s visit to Uganda as an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and engagement with students and researchers at the university. Prof. Bbaale concluded by expressing appreciation for the continued collaboration with Duke University scholars and said the centre looked forward to further joint research initiatives in the future.
Call for Stronger Research–Private Sector Linkages in Environmental Conservation
The Deputy Director of the EfD Mak Centre, Dr. Alice Turinawe, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between researchers, the private sector, and other stakeholders to ensure that environmental conservation research translates into practical solutions.
Speaking during the closing session, Dr. Turinawe thanked participants for their active engagement and highlighted the importance of sharing research widely so that it can be improved through feedback and dialogue. She noted that meaningful environmental solutions emerge when research findings are openly discussed and refined by diverse stakeholders.
Dr. Turinawe also commended the seminar presentation by visiting researcher Dr. Tobin, which explored conservation approaches and partnerships with farmers. She said the presentation underscored the importance of examining both private and public benefits in environmental interventions. According to her, such partnerships are essential for ensuring that conservation initiatives are both economically viable and socially beneficial.
She stressed that the EfD Mak Centre places strong emphasis on research that bridges the gap between academic work and real-world application. “One of our key goals is to ensure that the research conducted in our offices and in the field is connected to the private sector and other stakeholders who can implement the findings,” she said.
Dr. Turinawe further encouraged researchers to ensure that their findings are disseminated widely through platforms that can influence policy, development programs, and community practices. She noted that the impact of research depends largely on how effectively the results are shared and utilized.
She concluded by appreciating the scholars and participants who attended the seminar despite their busy academic schedules, noting that their engagement keeps the centre’s research community vibrant and productive.
The EfD Mak Centre, based at Makerere University, focuses on generating evidence to support environmental and natural resource policy decisions. The centre brings together academia, policymakers, and practitioners to strengthen the use of economic evidence in addressing environmental challenges.
Practical and Policy-Relevant Insights Appreciated
Overall, participants noted that the seminar provided both practical and policy-relevant insights into understanding farmers’ preferences, improving tree-planting programs,and supporting sustainable environmental and economic outcomes.
EfD-Mak Centre Manager Gyaviira Ssewankambo said the study offered valuable insights into what motivates farmers to adopt different tree species such as forest trees, timber varieties, and medicinal plants. He explained that the research also addressed challenges faced by farmers, including the risks posed by wildlife. In some cases, farmers living near game parks avoid planting fruit trees for fear that animals such as elephants could destroy their crops. According to Ssewankambo, these experiences mirror situations in communities near protected areas in Uganda, suggesting that lessons from India could help shape local strategies for promoting afforestation.
“Dr. Danny Tobin presented a very insightful study from India about forestry—what drives communities to take up different tree species, and the planting systems they use, whether on boundaries, intercropping, or cluster planting. We hope our Ugandan community can learn lessons, especially on issues like wildlife affecting fruit tree planting near game parks.”
He added that the study also examined the economic trade-offs farmers face when allocating land to trees rather than crops. While tree planting offers environmental and long-term economic benefits, farmers must weigh these gains against the immediate need for space to grow food crops. Ssewankambo expressed optimism that once the research is fully completed, it could provide important lessons for Uganda, just as EfD previously drew inspiration from forestry experiences in Nepal.
For Joab Wamani, an assistant lecturer at the School of Economics, the seminar was particularly valuable for its methodological insights. He noted that beyond the presentation’s clear communication, the research design and conceptualisation stood out. Wamani said the way the study framed its research questions and selected methods offered important learning points for researchers seeking to conduct rigorous environmental economics studies.
“His slides were clear and inspiring, but what really interested me was the research design—the way he conceptualised the topic, developed his research questions, and chose his methods. That was the main knowledge I took away.”
Students who attended the seminar also reflected on practical lessons for farming and environmental management. Nyeko Francis, a Master’s student in Economic and Investment Modelling, said the discussion encouraged him to view tree planting as a routine agricultural activity rather than something done only for environmental protection.
“I learned that tree planting can be normalised like any other crop activity. For example, planting mangoes or oranges in a designated area can be planned and managed like a crop garden. Tree planting is more than just protecting boundaries—it can be integrated into regular farming for better yield.”
Similarly, doctoral student Mansur Sewali, a development economist specialising in economic policy and planning, said the seminar highlighted the broader benefits of afforestation. While tree planting brings direct returns to farmers, he noted that the environmental benefits extend to society as a whole, illustrating the connection between private investment and public good.
“Despite tree planting benefiting the individual farmer, these benefits can also pass on to society at large. That was the key point I took from the seminar.”
EfD research fellow Aisha Nanyiti emphasised the importance of incentives in promoting tree planting. She explained that countries like Uganda, where forests are rapidly being depleted, can benefit from policies that encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Nanyiti said the study showed that many farmers prefer planting trees along farm boundaries, though some also favour intercropping trees with other crops. She added that continuous training and community sensitisation are essential to ensure both the adoption and survival of trees.
“Farmers in India appreciated planting trees along boundaries and in intercropping systems. The key takeaway is that incentivising farmers is essential for adoption, but ongoing training and community sensitisation are equally important to ensure tree survival and environmental restoration.”
Another student, Nichirange Edida, said the seminar reinforced the importance of tree planting in addressing climate change and environmental conservation. He noted that boundary planting and intercropping allow farmers to maintain crop production while also protecting the environment. Inspired by the discussion, Edida said he hopes to apply these practices in his own farming activities.
“This seminar taught me how farmers can address climate change through planting trees, especially on boundaries and through intercropping. It conserves the environment while allowing farmers to grow fruit and timber trees. I believe I can apply this in my own farming.”
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
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