Kazo District Local Government, through its Natural Resources Department, has established a district tree nursery in Kazo Town Council to promote environmental conservation and combat the adverse effects of climate change.

The tree nursery, which was set up in 2024 on a 1/2-acre piece of land, currently hosts 65,000 assorted tree seedlings. Among the tree species being raised are Prunus africana, Grevillea robusta, Eucalyptus grandis, Terminalia superba, Melia volkensii, kieapple, Gmelina arborea, and Milicia excelsa (commonly known as mvule), among others.

According to Bigirwa Dickson, the Kazo District Forestry Officer, the nursery produces high-quality seedlings, including both fruit trees and indigenous species. "We are proud to have established this nursery. It not only provides trees for planting but also promotes the conservation of indigenous species that are at risk," he said.

The tree seedlings are distributed to farmers and schools, with some offered free of charge. The district also provides training and technical support to individuals and groups interested in establishing and managing tree nurseries.

To maintain the nursery, one full-time worker has been hired on a monthly contract, and six additional workers are engaged as needed.

Mr. Dickson noted that the district aims to expand the nursery's production capacity to at least 200,000 seedlings to meet the increasing demand from farmers. “We need support to grow our capacity so we can reach more people with quality tree seedlings,” he added.

Kazo District lies within Uganda’s cattle corridor, a region that has faced severe challenges due to climate change. Tree planting is among the key strategies being promoted to improve environmental resilience in the area.

This initiative marks a significant step toward forestry conservation and management, sustainable land management and climate change mitigation in the district.

Tinyefuza Naboth, Communications Officer – Kazo District