Agroforestry - smallholder farmers, Uganda
The International Small Group and Tree Planting Program (TIST) in Uganda stands out for its unique approach to reforestation and sustainable development. This initiative, driven by subsistence farmers, enables them to plant and own trees on their land, directly involving them in environmental restoration. Notably, TIST provides farmers with training and a share of carbon revenues, fostering an empowering model of community-led environmental action. With around 60,000 farmers involved, TIST effectively intertwines tree planting with crucial socio-economic benefits, such as income generation and addressing agricultural and health challenges, making it a uniquely impactful project.
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Project information
Integrating agroforestry
The TIST program in Uganda represents a remarkable blend of environmental and social development. Launched in 1999, it has mobilised thousands participants in various countries, including around 4,000 in villages Uganda. This project is distinguished by its focus on empowering local farmers to combat deforestation, poverty, and drought. By planting trees, these farmers not only contribute to reforestation and biodiversity but also earn income from carbon credit sales. TIST's holistic approach includes training in nursery building, conservation farming, and constructing fuel-efficient stoves. This training extends to critical health issues like malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention.
The initiative's strength lies in its decentralised, community-driven structure. Farmers retain ownership of the trees and their products, ensuring vested interest and sustainability. The project has led to the planting of over ten million trees, significantly impacting greenhouse gas sequestration, soil stabilisation, and erosion reduction. TIST's operation in 10 districts of Uganda is a testament to its scalability and adaptability, addressing local environmental and socio-economic needs while contributing to global climate change mitigation.
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Intervention
Agroforestry
Location
Uganda
Methodology
AR-AMS0001
Sustainable Goals
Project performance
The Earthly rating
The Earthly rating is the industry-first holistic project assessment. Earthly researchers analyse 106 data points, aggregating information across the three vital pillars of carbon, biodiversity and people. Projects in Earthly's marketplace all exceed a minimum score of 5/10.
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2,345,190
Tonnes of CO2 removed since the start of the project
7,533,374
Trees planted
20,118
Members
Project impact
Local impact
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The image depicts the growth of the TIST Uganda Program between 2003 and 2017. The green dots represent quantified tree growers who are part of the TIST program located in Bushenyi, Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Mbarara, Ntungamo, and Rukungiri Districts of Uganda. It is worth noting that the TIST Uganda project extends beyond the area displayed in the image.
Project area: through time
Uganda, known for its diverse wildlife, has suffered from human activity and agriculture which have degraded its environment and pushed native species into isolated reserves. According to Global Forest Loss data, Uganda experienced a reduction of 75.0 thousand hectares in its humid primary forest between 2002 and 2022, accounting for 7.5% of its total area. The project focuses on lands managed by subsistence farmers, where natural wildlife has been replaced by domesticated species and crops.
The goal is to restore the once-abundant biodiversity and wildlife in these areas. To achieve this, the project leverages local leadership for effective management and provides training in technology for environmental monitoring and climate-resilient farming. These efforts aim to rejuvenate the natural ecosystem while supporting the local community.
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Positive for people
TIST Uganda's impact on local communities is profound. The program's approach involves engaging these farmers in tree planting activities while allowing them to retain ownership of the trees. This strategy not only provides an immediate source of income through the sale of carbon credits but also promotes long-term economic stability by fostering sustainable livelihoods.
TIST offers training to the farmers such as nursery building, conservation farming, and the construction of fuel-efficient stoves is invaluable. These skills not only enhance environmental sustainability but also improve the quality of life for participants by increasing agricultural productivity, reducing health risks associated with traditional cooking methods, and providing knowledge on important health issues like malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention.
TIST is available to everyone and all are considered equal. The inclusive approach promotes equality, with a system that empowers women and the undereducated. Success in the program is not limited by education level or gender; the most successful participants, regardless of their background, become mentors and leaders.
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Good for earth
TIST Uganda's actions to address biodiversity and environmental challenges are multifaceted. Primarily, the project facilitates extensive tree planting, with over 10 million trees planted so far. This massive reforestation effort directly combats deforestation, one of the primary drivers of biodiversity loss. The trees, including species like Pinus, Eucalyptus, Grevillea or Cupressus, not only sequester greenhouse gases but also contribute to habitat restoration and soil enrichment.
In addition to tree planting, TIST provides training in conservation farming techniques. These practices help in restoring and preserving soil fertility, crucial for sustainable agriculture and forest regeneration. By promoting fuel-efficient stoves, TIST also reduces the demand for firewood, thereby protecting existing forests and reducing carbon emissions. The project's real-time impact is evident in the gradual transformation of degraded lands into green spaces, contributing to climate change mitigation. The trees planted are beginning to reduce erosion and stabilise soil, which is crucial for maintaining local water cycles and supporting diverse flora and fauna. Moreover, the project's emphasis on a variety of tree species promotes genetic diversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience.
How we assess for quality
The Earthly scoring process
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