#Catona Climate #Kijani Forestry #Uganda Agroforestry #Uganda #Northern Uganda

Catona Climate's Landmark Investment in Uganda's Agroforestry

Catona Climate, a prominent name in climate finance, has recently made significant strides by investing in an agroforestry project in northern Uganda. This initiative aims not only to combat climate change but also to foster sustainable income for over 35,000 local farmers.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

The project, developed in collaboration with Kijani Forestry, focuses on the restoration of 300,000 hectares of land, with the ambitious goal of removing approximately 17 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent from the atmosphere. Application of catalytic capital will enable the scaling of this project, showcasing Catona's unique capability to transition from thorough due diligence to actionable investment demos in a short period.

Tate Mill, Co-CEO of Catona Climate, expressed optimism regarding the investment, stating, "This exciting new partnership is another demonstration of our financing model at work. We've rigorously assessed the project and its potential for impact, affirming its alignment with our goals."

Kijani Forestry's Approach to Empowerment

Founded in 2019, Kijani Forestry promotes sustainable land management and tree planting, creating income-generating opportunities through carbon credits and timber sales. This endeavor not only contributes to carbon sequestration efforts but also empowers smallholder farmers in rural Uganda to transform their private lands into productive woodlots. The challenge has been historically high entry costs and inadequate nurseries, but Kijani has innovatively addressed these issues by supplying all necessary tools and ongoing support.

Kijani prioritizes fast-growing species that allow for sustainable harvesting every three years, thus establishing a cycle of income for farmers while reducing pressure on native forests. This model not only meets local demand for fuelwood and charcoal but also aids in the broader restoration of the environment.

As Kijani co-founder Beau Milliken highlights, "This project creates significant opportunities for local farmers to participate in natural regeneration. The transformative investment from Catona and interest from aligned buyers of carbon credits will propel us to new heights, fostering stable incomes and resilient landscapes."

Positive Environmental Impact

The use of indigenous and adapted tree species in this project ensures the restoration of soil fertility, moisture retention, and biodiversity, creating overall ecosystem resilience. The project helps conserve microclimates and restore natural habitats affected by deforestation.

The executing of extensive due diligence carries significant implications. The investment decision by Catona followed a robust evaluation process that included on-site assessments and independent reviews. This ground-level understanding allows them to gauge the immediate impacts of the project accurately.

Megan Bomba, Director of Monitoring and Engagement at Catona, underscored the importance of this hands-on approach, elaborating on her observations during a recent visit to Uganda, where she observed thriving community nursery hubs and engaged with local farmers benefiting from Kijani's initiatives.

Bridging the Funding Gap

However, it’s essential to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by nature-based carbon removal projects, which continue to be underfunded and difficult to scale. Catona Climate aims to address this issue proactively by taking on early risks in investments and serving as a bridge for other stakeholders.

Rob Lee, Co-CEO of Catona Climate, highlights the importance of closing financing gaps: "We can't accelerate the growth of trees, but we can expedite funding and incentivize investors to come in early with us," he states, underscoring their strategic advantage.

Conclusion

With initiatives like this, Catona Climate and Kijani Forestry are positioning themselves at the forefront of the fight against climate change, driving significant socio-economic benefits in Uganda. The synthesization of local income opportunities and global environmental responsibilities marks a progressive step towards a sustainable future, reinforcing the vital role smallholder farmers play in ecological restoration and food security. For more information on Kijani Forestry, visit KijaniForestry.com. Likewise, learn more about Catona Climate at Catona.com.