The role of the faith-based organisations in tree planting in Uganda

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study explored tree planting in Uganda by several faith-based organisations (FBOs). These were the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church of Uganda, the communities of Muslims, Pentecostal Assemblies of God and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Key resources for tree planting were good administrative structures from the grassroots level to funding provisions. Benefits of tree planting include: fuelwood, sawn timber, fruit production and provision of environmental services. Constraints faced by FBOs in tree planting include: lack of skills for resource mobilisation and tree planting, lack of specific environmental protection policy, restricted funds, lack of suitable indigenous tree seedlings, negative attitudes of local communities, inclement weather and inadequate tending of planted seedlings. The findings will guide decision-making by FBOs and funding agencies in enhancing tree planting for products provision, carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation and adaptation.