Bulyakubi village is planting hundreds of trees to combat the rampant deforestation problems of Uganda. After purchasing and planting seedlings, the community is starting a community-wide goat project. After the initial purchase of goats, the community will continue to raise and sell goats to pay for school fees, medical expenses, and even fund future business ventures.
The Mvule Project is all about reforestation through collaboration--friends and neighbors working hand-in-hand to plant thousands of indigenous hardwood trees in Uganda. 11 communities have completed successful projects. Over 25,000 trees have been planted to date, and we are currently working with 18 villages.
The Project started working in Bulyakubi began in 2008. The group has grown to over 100 members, which is double the size of the project in surrounding villages. Because of its size, the community has decided to split into two groups. This funding will sponsor the trees and a goat project for the second group.
We have already partnered with the first group to plant 400 mvule tree seedlings, and we would like to plant another 800 trees in the village (400 mvule trees and 400 trees of other varieties). We conduct regular meetings with local leaders and monitor the progress of the trees. The men featured in the photo of this project are preparing for a community meeting under the shade of a growing mvule tree.
After the trees survive their most crucial first year, we will give the community a $2,000 grant to begin a community-owned project. The members of the Bulyakubi project have decided to start a goat project with their agri-business grant. Surrounding villages have done similar projects and multiplied their original investment over five times in the course of three years!
You might be wondering how this project helps alleviate poverty or provides Ugandans with Opportunity. Well, we've got some answers.
Ecologial : The Mvule tree was severely deforested since European settlement in the 1800s. Replanting these trees brings immense cultural and economic value back to the country. The trees also help replenish the soil and provides shade for crops.Plus, we educate the community on responsible harvesting techniques and conservation.
Economic : The agri-business programs catalyze economic growth and create a significant ROI that can be reinvested in other projects. One communitiy's $2,000 investment in a goat project has resulted in $10,000 over the course of 3 years. That kind of money can go a long way in Uganda!
Peace-Building : Think of the project as an extended team-building exercise that forces conflicting neighbors to interact and compromise. The project encourages peaceful cooperation among various faith groups and helps break through barriers of suspicion and fatalism.
Policy : Government participation through District Forestry Offices and the National Forestry Authority provides cooperation and influence at the policy level.
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