Mvule Project - Bunangwe
by Kibo Group International Kamuli, Eastern Region, Uganda Opportunity
The Mvule Project is a multi-faceted community development program that partners with communities in Uganda to achieve sustainable solutions to pov...
The Mvule Project is a multi-faceted community development program that partners with communities in Uganda to achieve sustainable solutions to poverty through reforestation and community-owned agri-business ventures.
Through the Mvule Project, Kibo group works with villages in Uganda to plant indigenous hardwood trees. 11 communities have completed successful projects. Over 25,000 trees have been planted to date, and we are currently working with 18 villages.
The Mvule Project in Bunangwe is one of these projects still in need of funding. The members were originally a part of the Kamuli town project, but recently decided to form their own group.
We are working with this community to plant 400 Mvule tree seedlings. We conduct regular meetings with local leaders and monitor the progress of the trees.
After the trees survive their most crucial first year, we will give the community a $2,000 grant to begin a community-owned project. Other communities have started agri-business projects and dug water wells. We are excited to see what this community chooses and will give updates as we continue to meet with the local leaders!
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 provide 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.