The partnership between ECOTRUST and the thousands of local communities in the Rwenzoris is building more resilient livelihoods while restoring one of Uganda’s most important ecosystems.
Kasese, Uganda | NEWS CORRESPONDENT | The Rwenzori Mountains Landscape is home to over 31,000 Trees for Global Benefit (TGB) Programme smallholder farmers hailing from the 4 districts of Kasese, Buyangabu, Kyenjojo and Kabarole, covering a total of 56 sub-counties.
The Programme, implemented by the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST), expanded to this landscape in 2012 with Kasese District as the launchpad. For Kasese district alone, what began as a small group of just 16 farmers has grown into a thriving network of more than 20,000 participants.
A key strength of the programme is its scientific approach to restoration; translating complex technical requirements into simple, tailored solutions for rural communities to adopt tree growing as a viable long-term investment opportunity- that has enabled families to diversify their incomes while contributing to climate change mitigation.
The journey, however, was not without challenges. According to William Kimera, Secretary for Business at the Kyarumba Banywani Tree Farmers Cooperative, the initiative initially faced widespread skepticism. “We started with only 30 members,” Kimera recalled. “Many people feared we wanted to take their land. Some even refused to collect tree seedlings because of misinformation. We spent a lot of time educating communities until they understood the benefits.”
Continuous community sensitization gradually changed perceptions of farmers in Kyarumba sub-county, Kasese district. Farmer participation steadily grew from a handful of pioneers to hundreds and eventually more than 12,400 men, women and youth participating in the programme.“Today the community speaks positively about the programme, and we are confident the numbers will continue growing.” Kimera said.
Growth to a SACCO
The rapid expansion also transformed the business eco-system, supporting establishment of the now fully registered Kyarumba Banywani Tree Farmers SACCO, that provides financial services – including loan financing (with carbon contracts as collateral) to members, majority of whom are TGB farmers.
“Our savings have grown tremendously since partnering with ECOTRUST,” Kimera explained. “Today many farmers save more than one million shillings, something that was unimaginable before.”
The SACCO has become a critical financial institution in the area. Members save part of their carbon payments, access affordable credit, and finance education, household improvements, and small businesses.
“We provide loans at low interest rates,” said SACCO Manager Muhindu Jojina. “If a member saves 100,000 shillings, they can borrow up to twice that amount. These loans have helped families pay school fees and expand businesses, especially those run by women.”
Beyond strengthening farmers’ finances, the cooperative has also created employment opportunities for local professionals.
“I have worked here for two years, and ECOTRUST’s support has enabled us to establish proper systems while creating jobs,” Jojina said. “The income has helped me improve my family’s livelihood, invest in livestock, support my parents, and even contribute to caring for vulnerable children.”
Regular training provided by ECOTRUST equips farmers with skills in agroforestry, livestock management, and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that tree planting complements agricultural production rather than replacing it.
The Kyarumba Banywani Cooperative has also expanded into value addition: Farmers process their own coffee using pulping machines provided through the partnership with ECOTRUST, enabling them to sell higher-value parchment coffee instead of raw cherries.
“Our mountain coffee is unique because of the rich alluvial soils of the Rwenzori,” Kimera said. “Its distinctive flavour is already attracting international buyers.”
Beekeeping, community health
Beekeeping has become another important source of income, with members receiving training in hive management and honey production while also using bee products such as propolis for traditional health remedies.
Carbon payments continue to provide an important financial cushion while trees mature.
“The payments motivate us to protect our trees instead of cutting them down,” Kimera explained. “They help us meet household needs today, but the real reward will come when the trees reach maturity. Some farmers could earn more than UGX 100 million if they maintain their woodlots.”
Perhaps the cooperative’s greatest achievement has been its investment in community health. Instead of distributing all annual profits to members, the cooperative invested in the establishment of a community health clinic, which opened on 1st July 2024.
“When a member falls sick, they present their membership card and receive subsidized treatment,” Kimera said. “Many families previously delayed seeking medical care because they lacked money. Today, they can access treatment quickly, and this has greatly improved people’s wellbeing.”
The clinic has reduced the financial burden of healthcare for rural households while ensuring members receive timely medical attention.
The partnership between ECOTRUST and the thousands of local communities in the Rwenzoris is building more resilient livelihoods while restoring one of Uganda’s most important ecosystems. Farmers say the results are already visible through improved rainfall patterns, reduced soil erosion, and healthier farmlands across this mountainous landscape.
In the Rwenzori Mountains, trees are no longer simply part of the landscape – they have become the foundation of prosperity, resilience and hope for future generations.
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