Kijani Forestry: Growing Trees, Restoring Land, and Strengthening Livelihoods

Northern Uganda is rich in land  -  but decades of environmental degradation, climate change, and unsustainable farming practices have left communities vulnerable. Kijani Forestry Limited is tackling this challenge with a bold, farmer-led approach to restoration and climate resilience.

Founded in 2019 as a tree-planting initiative and incorporated in 2021, Kijani was created to revolutionize forestry in Africa by putting smallholder farmers at the center of environmental and economic transformation. Instead of treating tree planting as charity,

Kijani builds a sustainable model where trees become a source of long-term income, soil regeneration, and climate resilience.

The Problem They’re Solving

Kijani exists because landscapes are being lost  -  and communities are losing livelihoods.

The challenges include:

• forest degradation and deforestation

• climate instability and drought

• declining soil health

• limited rural income opportunities

• lack of sustainable supply chains

Kijani’s approach responds to these challenges by building agroforestry systems that restore land while improving livelihoods.

A Partnership Model That Works

Kijani works with both smallholder farmers and larger landowners using a contract-based model focused on:

• quality seedlings

• technical support

• woodlot and agroforestry establishment

• sustainable supply chains

• long-term farmer support

This model ensures that farmers are not just planting trees  -  they are growing lasting economic stability.

Milestones That Show Real Growth

Kijani’s impact is visible across Northern Uganda:

• Over 17 million trees planted and sustained

• More than 45,000 farmers engaged

• Over 30,000 farmers signed into contracts

• 2,200+ nursery hubs supporting local communities

These numbers represent more than trees  -  they represent restored land, improved soil, and families with stronger futures.

The Road Ahead

Kijani is building toward a future where forestry is not just environmental work  -  it’s a driver of prosperity. Their long-term vision includes:

• expanding sustainable woodfuel and timber systems

• scaling biochar and sustainable charcoal production

• growing carbon development initiatives

• increasing employment across Northern Uganda

  
  

Kijani Forestry isn’t just planting trees  -  it’s rebuilding landscapes and creating sustainable livelihoods at scale.

Their work proves that climate action can be locally led, economically powerful, and deeply rooted in community strength.

Stay close to this story. The best is still ahead.