In a bid to combat the adverse impacts of climate change and address the degradation of national forests, Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to introduce a new policy mandating large-scale farmers to allocate a specific percentage of their land for tree planting.
During a session of the Committee on Climate Change on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, legislators discussed the urgent need to enhance efforts to mitigate climate change effects through proactive measures. The proposed policy would require farmers with substantial land holdings to reserve a designated portion for tree cultivation.
Speaking passionately about the initiative, Hon. Benjamin Kamukama of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) from Ruhama East County emphasized the importance of reforestation. He highlighted the potential consequences of failing to integrate tree planting into farming practices. “If we do not plant trees at our farms, we will be left with a diminishing forest cover. Why can’t we implement a policy that designates a specific area for tree planting?” Kamukama questioned.
Kamukama’s sentiments were echoed by Hon. Anthony Esenu, representing Kapelebyong County under the NRM. Esenu stressed that agriculture plays a significant role in contributing to climate change, along with infrastructure development. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive agroforestry campaign that empowers farmers to incorporate tree cultivation into their agricultural activities.
“Agroforestry is an area we need to focus on so that farmers are provided with the necessary support to cultivate more trees,”
Esenu remarked.
Concerns were raised over the depletion of Mabira Forest, which has reportedly suffered from deforestation to accommodate commercial developments such as hotels. Hon. Hellen Auma, the NRM representative for Busia District, voiced her dismay at the disappearance of the once-thriving forest.
“Mabira Forest is disappearing; what was once a lush forest has been cleared, making way for high-end hotels and other facilities,”
Auma lamented.
Addressing the committee, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, the State Minister for Animal Industry, highlighted ongoing efforts to counteract climate change. He mentioned that the ministry is actively encouraging farmers to adopt biogas as an alternative to firewood for cooking. Furthermore, Rwamirama disclosed that his ministry has been advocating for reduced taxes on gas through collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, aiming to incentivize the adoption of cleaner energy sources.
