ICRAF began working with South Sudanese refugees in 2018. We knew that they needed to clear land and cut trees to build their houses and grow food. We also knew that they needed wood to cook. The refugees numbered in the hundreds of thousands. It was clear that a large amount of biomass would be removed causing land degradation with serious consequences for the refugees and host community. We therefore set about understanding what trees both communities might like to grow and where, and we established a large nursery and outreach program. We have been able to help refugees and Ugandan farming families that live around the refugee settlements to meet their needs for trees and tree products. Together they are growing half a million trees of about 17 different species, mostly indigenous. Based on evidence, this is a model for other displacement settings. Watch this video. You can also learn more here. https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/agroforestry-with-refugees-and-hosts-in-nw-uganda/
