Deadline: 27-Sep-2026
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) supports agroforestry value chain development in Karamoja, Uganda to restore forest cover and improve sustainable natural resource management. The programme promotes forest conservation, climate resilience, and regenerative agroforestry supply chains while integrating strong social inclusion goals, including disability inclusion. It provides €1,784,600 in funding for projects lasting up to 24 months implemented by eligible civil society organisations.
Overview of the Agroforestry and Forest Restoration Programme (Karamoja, Uganda)
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) initiative focuses on restoring forest and tree cover in the Karamoja region of Uganda through agroforestry development and sustainable natural resource management. It supports structured interventions that combine environmental restoration with community-based economic development.
The programme focuses on:
- Forest conservation and protection
- Forest restoration and regeneration
- Agroforestry system development
- Climate change resilience building
- Sustainable natural resource management
- Regenerative and inclusive supply chains
- Environmental protection and biodiversity conservation
- Social inclusion and disability inclusion
- Sustainable livelihood development
Programme Objectives
The initiative is designed to strengthen ecological restoration while improving local livelihoods.
Key objectives include:
- Increasing forest and tree cover in Karamoja
- Promoting conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
- Developing agroforestry value chains
- Enhancing climate-resilient land use systems
- Supporting income generation through sustainable forestry
- Strengthening community participation in environmental management
Geographic and Sectoral Focus
The programme is concentrated in the Karamoja region of Uganda, an area facing environmental degradation and climate vulnerability.
Sectoral focus areas include:
- Agroforestry and forestry development
- Environmental protection and restoration
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Community-based natural resource management
- Sustainable supply chain development
- Inclusive rural development
Target Beneficiaries
The programme prioritises a wide range of local and institutional actors involved in forestry and land management.
Primary beneficiaries include:
- Local government and administrative bodies
- Public institutions managing natural resources
- Research centres focused on forestry and environmental management
- Civil society organisations in forestry and land restoration
- Youth and women groups engaged in natural resource activities
- Producer groups involved in reforestation and carbon credit schemes
- Religious and public bodies managing land suitable for afforestation
Social Inclusion and Environmental Priorities
The initiative integrates environmental sustainability with strong inclusion principles.
Environmental priorities:
- Restoration of degraded forest ecosystems
- Alignment with global biodiversity and climate commitments
- Sustainable land and forest management practices
- Promotion of regenerative agroforestry systems
Social inclusion priorities:
- Disability inclusion and accessibility
- Reduction of stigma and discrimination
- Equal participation in environmental and livelihood activities
- Empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized groups
- Gender and youth inclusion in resource management
Funding and Project Duration
The programme provides substantial funding for long-term environmental restoration projects.
Funding details:
- Total budget: €1,784,600 (AICS-funded)
- Maximum project duration: 24 months
- Funding purpose: agroforestry value chain development and forest restoration
Funding supports:
- Community-based restoration activities
- Agroforestry supply chain development
- Capacity building and institutional strengthening
- Environmental conservation initiatives
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open only to highly regulated and compliant civil society organisations.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be civil society organisations meeting legal registration requirements
- Be listed under relevant national regulatory frameworks
- Demonstrate tax compliance and financial accountability
- Have no bankruptcy, fraud, or legal violations
- Comply with anti-mafia and regulatory compliance standards (where applicable)
- Meet public procurement and international funding requirements
- Adhere to labour laws and governance standards
Programme Implementation Approach
The initiative follows a structured development and restoration model combining environmental and social interventions.
Step-by-step implementation flow:
- Selection of eligible civil society organisations
- Development of agroforestry and restoration project plans
- Community engagement and stakeholder mobilisation
- Implementation of forest restoration and agroforestry systems
- Development of regenerative supply chains
- Monitoring of environmental and social impact
- Reporting and evaluation of project outcomes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Weak alignment with agroforestry and restoration objectives
- Non-compliance with legal or financial eligibility rules
- Lack of community participation strategy
- Ignoring disability and social inclusion requirements
- Poorly defined environmental impact indicators
- Overlooking supply chain sustainability planning
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve competitiveness:
- Demonstrate strong experience in forestry or agroforestry projects
- Include clear forest restoration and climate resilience strategies
- Integrate community participation from the design stage
- Provide measurable environmental and livelihood outcomes
- Ensure strong compliance with all legal and financial requirements
- Highlight inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of this programme?
- To restore forest cover and strengthen agroforestry systems in Karamoja, Uganda
Who funds the programme?
- The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)
What is the total funding available?
- €1,784,600
How long can projects run?
- Up to 24 months
Who can apply?
- Eligible civil society organisations meeting strict legal and financial requirements
What are the key focus areas?
- Forest restoration, agroforestry, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods
Does the programme include social inclusion?
- Yes, it strongly emphasizes disability inclusion, youth, and gender equity
Conclusion
The AICS agroforestry and forest restoration programme in Karamoja, Uganda is a development initiative aimed at restoring ecosystems while strengthening sustainable livelihoods. By combining environmental restoration with inclusive community development and regenerative supply chains, it supports long-term climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management in the region.
For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
