NARO adopts agroforestry technologies to combat climate change
The approach involves integrating indigenous trees, fruit trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennial plants into existing agricultural systems
MUKONO, August 6, 2025 –– The National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] is promoting agroforestry technologies as a solution to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly in areas that experience recurrent climate-induced disasters.
These include districts within Uganda’s Cattle Corridor, such as Isingiro, Sembabule, Lyantonde, Gomba, Kiruhura, and Nakasongola, among others.
The approach involves integrating indigenous trees, fruit trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennial plants into existing agricultural systems.
This practice, implemented in the agro-ecological zone of the cattle corridor districts, aims to enhance economic, environmental, and social resilience, helping farmers to diversify their livelihoods.
Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], MUZARDI has established tree nurseries to provide high-quality planting materials, including seeds, seedlings, and cuttings.
The initiative is part of the Integrating Climate Resilience into Agricultural and Pastoral Production project, implemented through the farmer/agro-pastoralist field school approach in the districts of Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kayunga, and Luweero.
In collaboration with the National Forestry Resources Research Institute [NaFORRI], Caritas Kasanaensis [CKL], and local farmer associations in Kayunga and Nakasongola, MUZARDI is conducting training sessions on the establishment and management of tree nurseries.
To date, at least 635 farmers have been trained at various nursery sites within local communities to build capacity for climate resilience and adaptation.
Humphrey Kigabane, Agroforestry Technician at MUZARDI, explained the significance of the nurseries:
“Tree nurseries have helped us to curb biodiversity loss, conserve threatened tree species and combat climate change working with the communities around,” he said.
Dr Boaz Odoi, a Senior Research Officer at NaFORRI, leads training sessions on best practices for nursery site selection, soil preparation, nursery bed design, and propagation techniques such as grafting and budding.
He advised farmers to orient nursery beds in an East-West direction to ensure optimal shading for seedlings during their early growth stages.
Among the most effective agroforestry tree species identified are Eucalyptus [GU8, GU7 & GU], Maesopsis eminii [Musizi], Grevillea, Albizia chinensis [Albizia], and Chrolia [Migavu].
Other recommended species include fruit trees such as mango, avocado, orange, guava, jackfruit, and pawpaw, as well as high-value species like Entasesai, Cocoa, Soursop [Ekitafeeri], Prunus africana [Entasesa], and Cinnamomum verum [Mudalasin].
All these seedlings are available to the public at MUZARDI in Mukono district.
Mariam Namuyomba, operator of the Kayunga community tree nursery, praised the institute for working with the community to improve livelihoods.
“I was not raising cuttings, but now I have raised 30,000 cuttings. I didn’t have a shed net, but FAO gave me two shed nets, and now I can raise seedlings for eucalyptus and indigenous tree species.
Secondly, I was able to get materials, a water tank of 3,000 litres, three watering cans, and other equipment. Since receiving the support, I have been able to raise 21,000 clonal eucalyptus, 2,000 cocoa, 500 jackfruit, and 1,000 soursop seedlings. I really appreciate FAO for this support,” she said.
https://thecooperator.news/climate-change-coffee-farmers-tipped-on-agroforestry/
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