Deadline: 07-May-2026
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation is offering grants to support reforestation, sustainable forest management, and community-based non-timber enterprises in Eastern Uganda and Napak District, Karamoja. Projects aim to restore forests, promote agroforestry, enhance local livelihoods, and strengthen institutional capacity for sustainable forest governance.
Overview of the Initiative
This funding opportunity supports environmental restoration and socio-economic development by promoting sustainable forestry practices, agroforestry, and nature-based enterprises in Uganda. The program combines ecological sustainability with inclusive economic growth, focusing on both forest conservation and community livelihoods.
Key Objectives
- Increase Tree Cover: Restore degraded areas and improve forest management to enhance biodiversity.
- Promote Agroforestry: Integrate indigenous tree species into farms and community lands to reduce pressure on forest reserves.
- Support Non-Timber Forest Enterprises: Develop value chains for products such as fruits, nuts, medicinal plants, and other forest-derived goods to create sustainable livelihoods.
- Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Enhance local and regional institutions’ ability to manage forests, access finance, and implement sustainable practices.
Geographic Focus
- Eastern Uganda
- Napak District, Karamoja
These areas are prioritized due to their ecological sensitivity, forest degradation challenges, and the potential for sustainable livelihood development through forest-based enterprises.
Funding Details
- Total Indicative Funding: EUR 4,000,000
- Grant Size: EUR 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 per project
- Project Duration: Up to 28 months
- Funding covers activities including reforestation, agroforestry interventions, value chain development, capacity building, and technical support for forest finance access.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Legal entities (profit or non-profit)
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Private companies and enterprises
- Public sector operators and local authorities
- International inter-governmental organizations
- Organizations must be:
- Registered and operational in Uganda
- Established in an EU Member State or another eligible country/territory under NDICI-GE5
How to Apply
- Prepare Project Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, and measurable indicators.
- Define Budget and Timeline: Ensure alignment with the funding range and project duration.
- Incorporate Sustainability Measures: Highlight forest restoration, biodiversity protection, and climate change adaptation.
- Develop Community Engagement Plans: Explain how local communities will participate in forest management and benefit from non-timber forest products.
- Submit Proposal: Follow the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation guidelines for application submission.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced forest cover and ecosystem restoration
- Improved livelihoods through sustainable non-timber enterprises
- Increased adoption of agroforestry and indigenous species regeneration
- Strengthened institutional capacity for sustainable forest management
- Contribution to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Demonstrate clear environmental and socio-economic impacts
- Include community participation strategies
- Present a robust monitoring and evaluation framework
- Show alignment with local forest management policies and NDICI-GE5 criteria
- Highlight innovative approaches to forest-based livelihoods and enterprise development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on reforestation without livelihood integration
- Proposals lacking clear institutional or community involvement
- Ignoring indigenous tree species and biodiversity considerations
- Submitting incomplete budgets or timelines outside the grant range
- Overlooking eligibility criteria under NDICI-GE5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include NGOs, private companies, public sector operators, local authorities, and international inter-governmental organizations registered in Uganda and established in an EU Member State or other eligible country under NDICI-GE5.
2. What is the grant amount and project duration?
Grants range from EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 4,000,000, and projects can run for a maximum of 28 months.
3. What types of activities are supported?
Eligible activities include reforestation, agroforestry, indigenous tree regeneration, development of non-timber forest product enterprises, capacity building, and accessing forest finance.
4. Which areas are prioritized for funding?
Projects must be implemented in Eastern Uganda and Napak District, Karamoja.
5. Are profit-making entities eligible to apply?
Yes. Both profit-making and non-profit legal entities are eligible if they meet the registration and operational criteria.
6. How should proposals integrate community participation?
Proposals should clearly outline how local communities will be engaged in forest management, enterprise development, and benefit-sharing from forest resources.
7. Can international organizations outside Uganda participate?
Yes, but they must collaborate with local entities and be established in an EU Member State or an eligible NDICI-GE5 country or territory.
Conclusion
This funding opportunity by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation fosters sustainable forest management, reforestation, and nature-based livelihoods in Uganda. By integrating environmental restoration with socio-economic growth, the program strengthens biodiversity, local economies, and institutional capacities, contributing to long-term resilience and climate action.
For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
