Planting for a greener future: AWEI’s impact on the community

In the rural area of Mbunga sub-county in Western Uganda, Alpha Women Empowerment Initiative (AWEI) is spearheading a project designed to benefit the environment and empower women in the local community.

The ‘Women Empowerment and Environment Restoration’ project's objective is to plant trees and bamboo grass, protect vulnerable areas near riverbanks and educate community members on agroforestry and effective agronomic practices such as tree cultivation and soil management.

This project is slowly taking root. It began with the establishment of nursery beds furnished with water tanks that help store water during times of shortage. Shortly afterward, AWEI facilitated training sessions on good agronomic practices in which 534 women, 137 men, and 220 school-going children attended.

AWEI also conducted an exchange visit with Masaka District Landcare Chapter Leadership (MADLACC), a local ITF partner in Masaka District, to learn and share best practices in agroforestry and gender inclusion.

Mary Biira is a testament of how this project is making a difference. She raised and planted tree seedlings in her garden and has started training her family and fellow community members to do the same. As Mary recently said,

“The knowledge and skills on nursery beds, tree planting and management has enabled me be able to participate in managing the tree seedlings being raised in our community nursery. It has also helped me plant and now maintaining the tree seedlings. I am feeling happy and now having hope of having a good environment and income in the near future.”

So far, a total of 8,992 trees have been planted by the local community including agroforestry trees such as musizi (umbrella tree), grevillea, mangoes, avocados, jackfruit and pawpaw.

As the planting activities are bolstered by training and community engagement, AWEI’s women-led restoration initiative ensures environmental sustainability in Mbunga sub-county.

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