Bamboo Agroforestry Project Launched to Boost Livelihoods in Mukono and Buikwe

Mukono District has taken a significant step toward sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation with the official launch of the Bamboo Agroforestry Project, an initiative targeting small holder farmers in Mukono and Buikwe districts.

The multi-stakeholder project brings together district leaders, environmental experts, and implementing partners to promote bamboo-based agroforestry as a solution to declining soil productivity, environmental degradation, and limited income opportunities among farming communities.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Stephen Muhumuza, described the initiative as both timely and impactful. He noted that natural resources have been steadily depleted, calling for urgent restoration efforts. He emphasized that agroforestry projects are critical in reversing environmental degradation while improving household incomes.

Muhumuza also highlighted the project’s potential to create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, and urged communities and local leaders to fully embrace and support the initiative. He then officially declared the project launched in Mukono District.

The Acting District Natural Resources Officer, Innocent Mutalya, underscored the need to align agricultural innovations with the realities faced by farmers. He stressed that understanding existing farming practices is key to designing interventions suited to farmers’ capacities, environments, and livelihoods.

On the implementation front, Sophie Arcedeckne-Butler, Managing Director of EKiBBO Farming Services, explained that the project adopts a participatory approach. Local leaders are working closely with implementers to identify committed farmers, who then undergo orientation and detailed assessments to ensure tailored support.

The project, led by Kirungi Diana of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, focuses on integrating bamboo with major cash crops such as coffee, cocoa, and vanilla. Using a research-to-action model, the initiative aims to improve productivity, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Projections indicate that the project could increase crop yields by up to 30 percent and boost household incomes by approximately 20 percent, while also rehabilitating degraded land and promoting environmental sustainability.

Representing the District Chairperson, Lauben Ssenyonjo welcomed the initiative and commended partners for prioritizing local communities. He reiterated the importance of agriculture as the backbone of the economy and called for sustained engagement and expansion of similar programs.

Ssenyonjo also encouraged greater youth participation, suggesting the use of awareness tools such as brochures to attract young people. He further called for collaboration with the district’s environment and natural resources office, as well as prioritization of vulnerable areas, including communities near water sources and landslide-prone zones.

During the engagement, farmers raised concerns about the potential spread of bamboo. However, experts clarified that the project promotes clumped bamboo varieties, which are non-invasive and easy to manage. Farmers were also advised to adopt proper soil fertility practices to support optimal growth.

The launch of the Bamboo Agroforestry Project marks a major milestone in Mukono and Buikwe’s journey toward sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. By integrating bamboo into traditional farming systems, the initiative offers a practical solution to climate challenges while improving livelihoods.

With strong collaboration between government, development partners, and local communities, the project is expected to transform farming practices, empower youth, and restore degraded ecosystems. Its success will depend on sustained community participation, effective implementation, and continued stakeholder support.