By KT Reporter
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a 64.5 billion Shillings project to boost Uganda’s forestry sector.
This five-year program that will be funded by the European Union (EU) seeks to maintain the country’s forest whilst profiting from it, through various interventions from plantation management and processing to market access and financing. It comes in the wake of declining forest cover in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the project on Friday, Gabriel Abebe Haile, the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, said that the project is not just to manage forests, but to create viable businesses that generate employment, profits, and reinvestment opportunities.
Leonidas Hitimana, Project Manager at FAO, mentioned that the initiative will have three pillars. The first is focused on better management of existing plantations and certification support, and the second involves upgrading machinery and equipment to improve efficiency and reduce losses.
The third pillar, according to Hitiman, tackles a longstanding barrier in Uganda’s wood sector, which is access to finance. “The project will build bridges between cooperatives, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and financial institutions. “We’re working to demystify the financial landscape for wood enterprises, and likewise help lenders better understand the needs and potential of this industry.”
According to Sanne Willems, the EU Delegation to Uganda Team Leader for Green transition and private sector, pointed out that the Sustainable Wood-Based Value Chains Project complements the EU’s Green Deal priorities and development cooperation strategy.
Alex Kakoza, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, highlighted that an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 hectares have already been planted over the past two decades, with support from the EU and FAO.
He said that the new project will be an enhancement to the already existing efforts.
The project was launched at the Kigo-Mutungo government carpentry and joinery skilling center.
Majidu Kigozi, General Secretary of the Kigo-Mutungo Carpentry Association, expressed gratitude for the initiative, calling it a timely boost for small producers struggling with unreliable tools and drying methods.
He appealed for support in acquiring modern wood-drying machines to boost efficiency and competitiveness-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
