RUBIRIZI, UGANDA – The Rubirizi District Local Government has donated an initial batch of 2,000 fast-growing Grevillea tree seedlings to the Rukoma Farming Cooperative Society Limited to promote environmental resilience and sustainable agriculture.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The handover ceremony, held in Rukoma Village, Katerera Sub-county, was attended by farmers, local leaders, and environmental stakeholders who welcomed the initiative as a critical intervention.
The donation, facilitated by the Office of Natural Resources and Environment, aims to reduce soil erosion, mitigate the damaging effects of wind on crops, and promote sustainable conservation practices.
The Rubirizi District Environment Officer, Agaba Aggrey, underscored the urgency of increasing tree cover, stating that the initiative is a critical and timely response to the escalating climate challenges facing the community.
He explained that the strategic placement of these seedlings will create protective green belts, specifically designed to shield over 350 acres of vulnerable farmland that has been severely affected by heavy winds and catastrophic soil erosion.
“Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the effects of climate change. By planting these Grevillea seedlings, we are not only protecting crops from wind damage but also improving soil fertility and ensuring long-term sustainability for our farmers,” Agaba stated.
Mikyo Feonest, General Manager of the Rukoma Cooperative, praised the district’s support and pledged to mobilize farmers to ensure the trees are well-maintained.
He stated that the Grevillea trees would solve multiple challenges by providing firewood, shade, and crucial wind protection to shield crops and soils from the persistent losses farmers have endured.
“These trees are a solution to many of our challenges. With these Grevillea trees, we are confident that our crops and soils will be better protected,” Mikyo stated.
Katerera Parish Councilor Mujurizi Daphine encouraged the community to integrate tree planting into their daily lives, emphasizing that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility that begins at the household level.
The initiative is part of a broader district-wide campaign to restore degraded areas and promote agroforestry as a means of building resilience against climate change.
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