Tree Planting in Masaka
Green Christian member, Rosemary Nakasiita, writes about the successes and challenges of the tree-planting project that she runs at her school in Uganda
My Young Nature Champions program aims to empower children with knowledge, skills and tools to encourage impactful nature-based activities that fosters ecological stewardship and ensure that the next generation is equipped to protect the planet.
The increasing environmental degradation and the climate crisis highlight the urgent need for young people to understand and address environmental challenges. Schools serve as foundational spaces for nurturing eco-consciousness. By leveraging the influence of religious leaders in schools, the program seeks to provide long-term educational opportunities for children and their families to protect the environment in their local community.
The project collaborates with schools and households to reforest on school land and around households in the community.
With just £35 donated by Phillip Attwood, a Trustee of Green Christian, 20 tree saplings were purchased at local nursery tree bedding in Masaka. These included saplings of both traditional trees (Fig tree, Muvule tree, African teak tree, mahogany etc.) and fruit trees (Mango, Orange, Jackfruit, Avocado and Papaya etc.)
These were given out to three schools and two households within the Kitengeesa Village Community in Masaka.
Achievements
Of the 20 saplings that were planted around the school compounds, 14 were of good quality and have been able to grow well. 6 sapling were unable to grow well.
Challenges
There is a scarcity of indigenous tree saplings like Muvule tree, Mahogany and others which are not reproduced in nurseries across Masaka. These traditional trees can only be found at some National Forestry Authority (NFA) regional stations which are located further away.
Also, the price of saplings increases every day by the current demand in the market.
Lessons learned
There is a need to set up a traditional tree nursery bed where local residents and others can purchase these trees with ease and at an affordable cost.
Recommendations
Local nursery bed operators need to be encouraged to reproduce traditional trees as well as fruit trees at their nurseries. There is a need to set up a nursery bed for these indigenous trees in the area that is easily accessible by residents and the saplings to be provided at little or no cost to encourage tree planting and reforestation activities for climate resilience actions.
Conclusion
We need to extend the tree planting and reforestation activities and climate change awareness among children and young people through schools so as to increase climate actions in Masaka and Uganda in general.
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