Ecaat Stephen Justin | June 4, 2026
News Brief
In Uganda’s Soroti District, farmer Ben Akabwai is helping restore degraded land after being inspired by climate-focused broadcasts on Voice of Teso, supported by Farm Radio International’s On Air for Gender-inclusive Nature-based Climate Solutions project. He has planted five hectares of indigenous and fast-growing trees, improving soil moisture, biodiversity, and future income opportunities. Despite challenges including floods, fire, and startup costs, his efforts have inspired others. Community members now produce more than 20,000 seedlings and are expanding tree-planting initiatives across the region.
In Gweri, Uganda, the landscape is shifting. What was once a region characterized by dry, parched earth is becoming a testament to the power of community-led afforestation. At the heart of this transformation is Ben Akabwai, a model farmer whose commitment to tree planting is actively reshaping the local environment.
For years, Soroti District has grappled with the harsh effects of climate change. However, Mr. Akabwai’s journey toward environmental transformation began with a voice on the radio. Tuning into Voice of Teso, Mr. Akabwai became a regular listener of the weekly climate program that airs Tuesdays at 8.00 p.m. and is repeated Saturday evening. This program is supported by Farm Radio International’s On Air for Gender-inclusive Nature-based Climate Solutions project. These broadcasts didn’t just offer information; they sparked a vision for a side business that would eventually change his landscape.
Mr. Akabwi planted five hectares of trees, combining indigenous species and species chosen for a faster maturity cycle, such as eucalyptus, particularly the South African C72 variety. He allows indigenous trees to naturally regenerate from stumps on the land, following Farmer-managed natural regeneration practices. These five hectares have contributed to localized cooling effect and improved moisture retention in the soil, proving that individual action can influence broader environmental health.
He says, “I am proud to see my trees healthy and growing well. This variety means I can see a return on my investment much faster than other farmers.”
By the fifth year, he hopes to harvest some of the trees for sale, leaving others to sprout back and planting more in their place.
He also grows maize, groundnuts, and soybeans between the trees, making the most of the space, ensuring food security for his family.
But this project hasn’t been without its challenges. First, Mr. Akabwai needed to secure enough funds to purchase seedlings and labour for planting. Then heavy rains, which have occasionally turned to floods, led to the loss of young seedlings. Fire has also threatened his plantation.
Forestry projects take a huge effort to get started and to weather threats until the trees are well established. Other community members have joined Mr. Akabwai in this effort, scaling up the impact on the local environment. The Gweri community is producing more than 20,000 seedlings via new nursery beds, and with new plantations the region is seeing a massive increase in biodiversity and green cover.
Mr. Akabwai’s goal is to expand his plantation to 20 hectares – a long-term commitment to restoring the area’s natural ecosystem.
