Trees for Global Benefit – Uganda

Trees for Global Benefit is a community carbon offsetting scheme that works in western Uganda’s Albertine Rift. The initiative has mobilized thousands of smallholders to work together on small-scale, farmer-led, agroforestry projects. These activities protect the productive and natural landscapes on which the farmers depend for their basic needs. The activity combines carbon sequestration with rural livelihood improvements, while reducing pressure on natural resources in national parks and forest reserves.

Fast facts:

Started with 33 farmers; now mobilizes 2,529 farming households in five different districts;
600,000 trees planted on 2,800 hectares by December 2013;
$900,000 mobilized annually as direct foreign investment;
60% of income from the sale of carbon credits goes to farming communities;
Capacity to save more than 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

The problem

In Uganda, farmers are often poor, and there are few jobs in local communities. Farmers have little chance of accessing credit, as land tenure is often unclear. Yet these farmers are often disproportionately affected by adverse climate events such as floods and drought. Soil erosion is another major factor contributing to the precariousness of the farmers’ situation, as it results in harvest shortfalls.

The solution

Trees for Global Benefit is based on a self-sustaining financial model that buys carbon emission reduction units upfront from across multiple small-scale landholdings, and then sells them on the voluntary market. Once farmers sign emission reduction purchase agreements, the project then makes partial upfront payments to acquire the carbon assets. These initial payments enable the farmers to begin investing in sustainable land management. Each farmer is paid according to how much credit he or she contributed to the scheme. Through group certification, the project enables the farmers to afford the cost of registration, verification, and certificate issuance, establishing a market share.

Tree-planting activities include mixed woodlots of native or naturalized tree species, and fruit orchards. Once farmers are registered, they enter into sale agreements which specify the amount of carbon, and the terms and conditions.

Helping the planet

Trees control soil erosion, and improve soil fertility and water retention. The project encourages farmers to conserve forests and better manage soils. Reversing ecosystem degradation also reduces runoff and erosion. The project has also increased the use of alternative energy sources.

Helping people

The project continues to mobilize significant cash flow from the private sector for investment in communities. Trees for Global Benefit helps break the poverty cycle by giving farmers access to financing, and thus the opportunity to invest in the productivity of their land. Group marketing helps farmers access better markets for their produce. Farmers are able to generate sustainable income; building up reserve capital helps reduce the precariousness of their situation. Improving soil fertility and water management, and production of fruit and fodder for animals increases food security. The project also seeks to empower women by involving them in decision-making at group meetings.

Scaling up

Trees for Global Benefit has already grown significantly, and continues to develop new activities and recruit new farming communities. Through group marketing and access to credit and loans, the project is continuously attracting new farmers to join. It is expected that the project will eventually cover all vulnerable communities in Uganda. The project’s focus on niche markets also contributes to its success, as it functions through payments for environmental services as opposed to grants or aid.