Leaders in Kabale District have warned of a looming hunger crisis as the increasing establishment of large-scale tree plantations continues to reduce land available for food and cash crop production.
The concern was raised during the launch of the first phase of construction of a Shs 375 million theatre block at Kakomo Health Centre IV in Kitumba Sub-county, Ndorwa West Constituency on Tuesday.
Kabale District LC5 Chairman, Denis Ndyomugyenyi Nzeirwe, said many communities surrounding the health centre have increasingly turned to large-scale tree planting, particularly for charcoal production.
Nzeirwe said residents involved in the charcoal trade often cut down trees, burn them into charcoal and sell it for income, yet many of them struggle to meet their basic food needs.
He called for a change in mindset among residents, urging them to reduce reliance on tree planting for charcoal production and instead embrace coffee growing.
Nzeirwe said coffee can provide better and more sustainable returns to households when properly managed, while also contributing to tourism and preserving the district’s agricultural potential.
He urged local and religious leaders to mobilise communities to embrace coffee growing and other productive agricultural activities that can provide sustainable livelihoods and improve household food security.
CUE IN NZEIRWE… ON TREE PLANTING…RR//
The Maziiba Sub-County Male Councillor, Moses Bikorwomuhangi, called for the establishment of by-laws to protect residents with small pieces of land from what he described as unfair practices by wealthy landowners.
Bikorwomuhangi alleged that some wealthy individuals deliberately plant trees around neighboring small plots of land, making it difficult for their owners to use the land effectively, with the intention of forcing them to sell.
CUE IN BIKORWOMUHANGI… ON THE MATTER…RR//
The District Internal Security Officer, Capt. Robert Tukundane, described the expansion of tree plantations as a major threat to residents’ livelihoods and food security.
Tukundane supported calls for the introduction of by-laws requiring owners of large pieces of land to lease part of their land to residents for food and cash crop production.
CUE IN TUKUNDANE… ON BY-LAWS…RR//
