Ugandans To Be Forced To Plant Trees

Legislators have urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to enact a policy directing farmers to plant trees. The directive, if considered, will require all large-scale farmers to plant trees on a dictated portion of their land.

According to the MPs, the policy would stimulate efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change through tree planting.

“If we do not plant trees at our farms, we will be left with small forest cover. Why can’t we put up a policy and say that if you have such a farm, a certain part should be left for tree planting,” Benjamin Kamukama (NRM, Ruhama East County) said.

Additionally, Kamukama said the move would complement the national forests which are being degraded. The proposal came about during the meeting of the Committee on Climate Change on Wednesday, 16 August 2023.

During the same meeting, Bright Rwamirama, the State Minister for Animal Industry updated attendees on the projects implemented to mitigate climate change.

The effects of a degraded forest cover are already manifesting according to Anthony Esenu (NRM, Kapelebyong County). He, therefore, said planting trees should not only fall to the ministry and its agencies.

“Farming is the highest contributor to climate change next to infrastructure. Therefore, agroforestry is an area we need to look at so that farmers are helped to grow more trees,” said Esenu.

Some of the legislators cited the near depletion of Mabira forest which they said has been cleared to accommodate hotels and other facilities.

Rwamirama said the ministry has embarked on a campaign urging farmers to resort to biogas for firewood instead of charcoal.

“As a ministry, we have been urging the Ministry of Finance to reduce taxes on gas. This is such that people can reduce cutting firewood,” Rwamirama said.

Check Also;

• Use These Rains To Plant More Trees, Activists
• Climate Change A Threat To Urban Development In Uganda
• Uganda Baati And NFA Partner To Conserve Environment Through Planting Trees

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