This activity is using the Ficus natalensis tree and energy efficient cookstoves for energy security and income for families. This multi-purpose tree that is native to Uganda used in tandem with the cookstoves is contributing to greenhouse gas sequestration and climate resilience.

 

Fast facts:

• So far, at least 100 women have directly benefited from this activity;

• At least 2,000 Ficus natalensis trees have been planted;

• This activity uses improved energy efficient cookstoves that reduce firewood consumption by at least 60%.

The problem

Rural households in Uganda depend on firewood for energy and do not have the financial capacity to adopt other alternatives. Using firewood for cooking contributes to deforestation and increased carbon emissions.

The solution

This activity helps rural households build “energy gardens” to plant the multi-purpose Ficus natalensis tree. The bark is sustainably harvested and turned into “bark cloth”, a very versatile material that can be made into a variety of items. When households in Uganda grow the trees, the activity supplies them with at least one improved energy-saving cookstove on credit. Households sustainably harvest the branches of the tree for energy and the bark for income to help pay off the cookstove.

Helping the planet

Ficus natalensis trees are making households more resilient to climate change by providing shade to crops, adding nutrients to the soil and providing fodder for cattle or other livestock. Using energy efficient cookstoves also helps the household become energy-secure throughout the year, reducing deforestation. The trees contribute to carbon sequestration and the cookstoves contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Helping people

Due to the improved energy efficient cookstoves and the proximity of the planted trees, women no longer have to travel long distances to collect firewood, allowing them to engage in community leadership and development activities. The project is also helping women improve their economic status. The bark cloth from the Ficus natalensis trees can be crafted and sold to help pay off the cookstove and provide additional income.

Scaling Up

This activity works well at the local level and can be replicated in places where the population is facing energy and food insecurity. This activity is aiming to plant one million trees by 2024, which will help approximately 20,000 households become energy-secure. The additional income from the bark itself will provide approximately 500 USD to each household and around 1,000 USD annually for each woman involved in bark cloth crafts.

Images owned by the activity partners, all rights reserved.