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How can reforestation support climate adaptation in Uganda?

In Kasese, Uganda, the impacts of climate change are very real. Since the 1960s, average temperatures have increased by 1.3°C and the Rwenzori Mountain Range, in the northwest of the region, lost 49% of its permanent ice caps between 1987 and 2003. The ice is expected to completely disappear by the 2040s, with huge implications for the region’s water system.

The Nyamwamba River, fed by the melting glaciers, has become volatile. Frequently bursting its banks, the resulting flooding has destroyed homes and vital infrastructure. On one occasion, in March 2020, 25,000 homes were destroyed in a single day. Meanwhile, the tropical heat and humidity in the region are contributing to frequent extreme rainfall, causing devastating landslides; the water cycle is out of control.

Deforestation has made this worse. Rapid population growth, unregulated timber harvesting and a reliance on wood for fuel have put the ecosystem under pressure, leading to rapid forest loss. Reforestation can mop up some of these impacts, with trees absorbing excess water and helping root soil in place.

The Municipality and District of Kasese have devised a comprehensive plan for reforestation across 30,270 hectares named ‘Bring Back Our Trees’. The aim is to mitigate flood risk by planting trees and establishing agroforestry in strategic areas throughout Kasese, including riverbanks, urban spaces, and nearby hills, to adapt the landscape.

Photos by Evelyn Mugume, from Kasese Municipality, perfectly illustrate the impacts of climate change on the landscape, as well as how the community plans to adapt to tackle these issues.

The hills around Kasese District.

Landslides on steep slopes where soil has been weakened by deforestation and agricultural practices.

Flooded homes in Kasese. Occupants have abandoned their houses and are living in a camp for displaced people.

Floods are eroding the banks of the Nyamwamba River.

A 15-year-old pine forest, one of several isolated, individually-owned woodlots. Kasese’s plan is to create more of these woodlots, to provide legal timber and stabilize hills.

Tree nursery in Kasese to provide saplings for reforestation.

Tree planting efforts to strengthen the land.

We assessed the impact of this NBI project, and found that the interventions also contribute additional benefits to people and planet, such as job creation, improved health, carbon sequestration, habitats for biodiversity, and avoided soil erosion.

Our assessment shows that this nature-based approach to reducing flood and landslide risk would generate total net benefits of USD 69.1 million, with every dollar invested yielding over USD 5 in returns for society.

 

Read the Full Report

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