Agro-Forestry Program
In 1993, the Agro-Forestry Program of the Lake Bunyonyi Development Project (LBDP) began. The hills around the lake were losing their fertility due to over-farming and soil erosion. Following a year of research and consultation regarding the needs of the lake’s farmers, the “Land and People Project" was initiated.
Staff were hired and trained to carry-out agro-forestry extension work and training of local farmers, and a tree nursery was set-up on nearby Bwama Island to provide the necessary trees for planting on the hillside terraces. These seedlings are varieties that will improve the soil quality (by fixing nitrogen in the soil), reduce erosion and provide the farmer with firewood, building supplies, fodder, or a cash crop. The nursery provides trees such as Calliandra, Grevillia, Leuceuna, Sesbania, Orange, Pine, and Avocado to assist the farmers in improving their soil and yield, and provide a cash crop for raising their living standards.
Today our nursery propagates and distributes over 60,000 trees a year to local communities. Our agro-forestry staff visit the local farmers to assist and educate them on the benefits of using agro-forestry techniques.
In 2001, a pig lottery was also initiated. Members of each community are invited to attend a pig lottery on Bushara Island. Piglets are given away in pairs to one member from each community with the understanding that when their pair produces its first litter, they must give away the offspring to others in their community. The lottery was started with only 4 pigs and there are now over 100 pigs in this program.
Since its inception, the agro-forestry program has aided hundreds of farmers around the lake. The management of the Lake Bunyonyi Development Company welcomes your inquiries and offers you a tour of the program and a chance to meet our staff and talk to the farmers who are benefiting from the program.