Uganda - Solidaridad ECA

This project aims to increase the quality and productivity of farmer output, adapt the farmland to build resilience to climate change, avoid deforestation, and reduce and sequester carbon emissions.

• Project ADD summary PDF (version December 2023)

Lead farmers (or promoter farmers), who have been representing local farmers and communities for up to six years (before the project began) in four different districts in the project area, were actively engaged during design of the projects. For example, they provided farmer training and gathered farmer input for the agroforestry system to be implemented.

This support is no unnecessary luxury: Ugandan smallholder farmer participants significantly lack the income, resources, and capacity to develop agroforestry projects by themselves or as a community. Poverty levels among farmers ranges from 30 to 40%, with over 50% of family households having an income of less than 1 USD a day.

For that reason, the project aims to result in increases in food security due to the fruit trees planted that provide an accessible source of food for farmers. The expected increases in productivity and income diversification from project intervention will increase farmer income and their ability to afford a variety of nutritious food. Additionally, it seeks to help build farmer and crop resilience against the damaging effects of climate change, such as shade trees protecting from harsh weather conditions. The marketable products derived from the trees planted and the carbon credit received for sequestration will offer diversification in income streams and act as a buffer for farmers in times of financial hardship.

With Solidaridad providing farmers with agroforestry advice, ongoing capacity development and sensitization, planting materials, and the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of the agroforestry practices, the project is well underway. The carbon credits that farmers will receive will allow them to afford the necessary materials needed for the long-term maintenance of their agroforestry system. An agroforestry system that will in turn support farm biodiversity due to the planting of diverse shade and fruit trees among coffee crops that provide a suitable habitat for local species and pollinators.

Full project documentation available upon request.