In the past, small farming families could live off their land. But then came sand mining. The project, funded by the FLSK Future Fund since 2021, is making the area usable again. Read more about how a community forest is being created in Uganda that gives people back their livelihoods and prospects.
From swamp to forest
Swamp as far as the eye can see. This was not always the case in the Wakiso and Mpigi districts of Uganda. However, intensive sand mining has led to ever greater swamping. The river banks are eroding and becoming unstable, which disrupts the natural watercourses and drainage systems. This causes water to accumulate in the mining pits and the surrounding area.
These interventions in the natural landscape profile affect both the ecological functions and the livelihoods of the local population. The Community Forest project aims to correct the mistakes of the past - and this will benefit both nature and the local people.
Plant, protect, revitalize
We have been involved in the community forest in Uganda from the very beginning. This makes us particularly proud and perhaps that is why the project has become so dear to our hearts. With funds from the FLSK Future Fund, our project partner Kasuku Organics was able to acquire around 4 hectares of land in 2021. By August 2022, Kasuku Organics, together with three groups of smallholder farmers, had planted 45,121 trees on the site.
The project is far from over. The next steps are:
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Fencing: A sturdy fence around the acquired area should provide protection for the young trees from human and animal intruders.
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Buildings: Simple houses will be built for the storage of equipment, as accommodation for a night watchman and for sanitary facilities.
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Beehives: These industrious insects provide farmers with a source of income and food. They also pollinate crops.
Help that arrives
The planned activities will also be financed with money from the FLSK Future Fund. We work very closely with our partner Kasuku Organics and the GLS Zukunftsstiftung Entwicklung, which has been supporting Kasuku Organics in the implementation of its projects for many years. Kasuku Organics is a member of the Ugandan umbrella organization Green Light Future Union, which includes seven schools, five non-profit organizations and a cooperative. The alliance is committed to sustainable development in society - because you can simply achieve more as a group. They work together on the following goals:
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Train 4,850 smallholder farming families in sustainable, organic farming methods
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Improve soil fertility, biodiversity and yields
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Establish production, distribution chains and community marketing strategies for organic products
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Help locals to better use and protect the environment
The land is inalienable - thus, the people's livelihood is permanently secured. We are delighted that there are already successes: the forest is growing. The first Ugandans have completed their training and can live off the community forest. We will keep you updated!
*picture credits: GLS Zukunftsstiftung Entwicklung