THE DEFORESTATION CRISIS
51% of Uganda's forest land has been clear-cut in the last 3 decades.
It is estimated by 2050 there will be no forested land left.
85% of Ugandans are subsistence farmers, with depleted land and low-market value crops.
97% of Ugandans rely on unsustainably sourced cooking fuel from firewood or charcoal.
Charcoal prices have more than tripled over the last 5 years as fuelwood becomes increasingly scarce.
Sustainably Sourced Charcoal
Forest Regeneration
6-18X Farmer Income
Substantial Carbon Offsets
KIJANI'S MODEL
THE FARMER
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AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME WITHOUT KIJANI
For many farmers, life is a delicate balancing act between essential expenses and limited income. With most of their annual income consumed by basic needs like school fees, food, and medical expenses, there is little left for savings or long-term investments. As a result, many farmers remain vulnerable, with no clear path out of poverty and little opportunity to improve their quality of life. This baseline shows how crucial it is to provide farmers with a sustainable solution that boosts both income and environmental stewardship.
INCOME GROWTH WITH KIJANI
Kijani offers farmers a sustainable way to dramatically increase their income through our agroforestry model. By Year 5, after planting just one acre of fast-growing trees per year, a farmer can expect to multiply their income by six times. By Year 11, that income grows to 18x, providing a stable and scalable revenue stream that transforms the farmer’s financial situation. Kijani’s model not only helps farmers escape poverty but also creates long-term financial security, empowering them to invest in their families, homes, and futures while contributing to environmental restoration.
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THE NEW STANDARD FOR FARMER INCOME
By Year11, Kijani’s impact is undeniable. Farmers no longer face impossible choices between providing for their families, sending their children to school, or securing a stable future. They now have the financial freedom to pursue new opportunities like starting their own businesses, building a home, or expanding their agricultural ventures. The reliable income from Kijani empowers farmers to break the cycle of poverty while safeguarding and enhancing their environment for generations to come.
THE COMMUNITY
FROM ONE FARMER TO THOUSANDS
The impact of Kijani’s model extends far beyond individual households. When implemented across thousands of farmers, the ripple effects are profound, transforming entire communities and reshaping the economic landscape of the region. Increased incomes lead to greater local investment, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social services, creating a cycle of development that uplifts entire communities and lays the foundation for long-term prosperity.
COMMUNAL ECONOMIC GROWTH
As more farmers experience the financial benefits of working with Kijani, the entire region begins to thrive. With increased incomes, families invest more in local businesses, schools, and services, stimulating economic growth. New enterprises spring up, jobs are created, and communities move from survival mode to prosperity, building a stronger, more resilient local economy.
EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY
With greater financial security, families no longer have to choose which children they can afford to send to school. Thousands more children will gain access to education, laying the foundation for a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce. As future generations become empowered, communities are better positioned to innovate and take advantage of new opportunities, fueling long-term growth and development.
ENVIRONMENT RESTORATION
Environmental restoration not only heals ecosystems but also brings direct benefits to the communities involved. Healthy forests stabilize local climates, improve soil fertility, and increase water availability, leading to better crop yields and more reliable livelihoods. By restoring the environment, Kijani helps build stronger, more resilient communities that can thrive in the face of climate challenges.
COLLABORATING FOR GREATER GOOD
Kijani’s extensive network of farmers creates a unique opportunity for collaboration with other development programs. With access to thousands of trusted, engaged farmers, Kijani serves as a bridge for other initiatives focused on improving livelihoods, education, health, and infrastructure. This collaborative approach not only maximizes the benefits to farmers and accelerates impact across multiple sectors.
FROM VULNERABLE TO INFLUENTIAL
Kijani works with some of the most vulnerable groups in society, empowering them to rise above economic hardship. Through their economic success, these farmers gain influence and respect within their communities, positioning them as leaders in local decision-making. As their collective impact grows, they become key voices in regional and national development, contributing to shaping policies and initiatives that benefit their communities and beyond.
THE ENVIRONMENT
CARBON SEQUESTRATION
Planting millions of trees plays a vital role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As these trees grow, they sequester large amounts of carbon, helping to offset emissions and reduce the overall carbon footprint. This not only contributes to global climate goals but also positions Uganda as a key player in the fight against climate change.
RESTORING ECOSYSTEMS
Reforesting Uganda with millions of trees helps restore natural ecosystems that have been damaged by deforestation. Diverse, native forests support a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered. By planting indigenous trees, we create habitats that encourage biodiversity, strengthen ecosystems, and promote the return of native wildlife. At Kijani's pilot restoration site, the community saw a leopard for the first time in over a decade.
SOIL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT
Tree planting significantly improves soil health by reducing erosion, enriching soil nutrients, and enhancing water retention. Roots hold the soil in place, preventing erosion caused by wind and rain, while fallen leaves and organic matter decompose to add vital nutrients. These improvements lead to more fertile land, which benefits local agriculture and contributes to sustainable farming.
WATER CYCLE REGENERATION
Trees are essential in regulating the water cycle, and planting millions of them can even help increase local rainfall. Through a process called transpiration, trees release water vapor into the atmosphere, which contributes to cloud formation and ultimately helps induce rain. This increased moisture enhances local humidity and supports more stable weather patterns. Additionally, tree roots improve rainfall absorption and groundwater recharge, reducing surface runoff and protecting local water resources. This regulation is vital for maintaining a reliable water supply for both communities and agriculture, helping to mitigate droughts and protect against flooding.
CLIMATE STABILIZATION
Establishing millions of new trees helps stabilize local microclimates by moderating temperatures and maintaining humidity levels. This not only makes the environment more hospitable for wildlife but also directly benefits local agriculture, ensuring more predictable growing conditions and reducing the impact of extreme weather events on farming communities.
THE CHARCOAL INDUSTRY
The charcoal industry in Uganda is plagued by unsustainable practices, exploitation of farmers, and lack of regulation. Kijani’s approach transforms this industry by empowering farmers, ensuring traceability, and making charcoal production both profitable and sustainable. By shifting from unregulated deforestation to managed, renewable production, we create an equitable and environmentally responsible model that benefits communities, the government, and the environment.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION
Our model ensures that charcoal production is renewable, reducing deforestation and protecting natural forests.
FARMER
PROFITS
Farmers earn directly from their charcoal, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair compensation.
TRACEABLE SUPPLY CHAIN
With advanced tracking, every bag of charcoal can be monitored, ensuring transparency and accountability.
EFFICIENT REGULATION
Kijani's model is the missing piece the government has been looking for in order to regulate and enforce charcoal production.
THE CARBON MARKET
THE CARBON SUPPLY SHORTFALL
According to McKinsey & Company, the carbon market is expected to face a significant supply shortage as demand for voluntary carbon credits increases dramatically by 2030. Demand is projected to reach between 1.5 and 2 gigatons of CO2 annually, while the potential supply might only reach 1 to 5 gigatons of CO2 due to multiple challenges in scaling projects and financing them. The growing gap between demand and supply will likely drive up carbon credit prices, especially for high-quality projects, making it difficult for the market to match the ambitious climate targets set globally.
CREDIBILITY OF THE MARKET
The carbon market today also faces challenges around integrity and credibility. Many carbon credits are highly heterogeneous, lacking consistent quality verification and proper accounting methods. This variation makes it difficult to ensure credits genuinely represent effective carbon reductions, resulting in skepticism and reduced buyer confidence. Additionally, the verification and certification processes are often cumbersome, leading to long lead times that hinder the ability to bring new credits to market effectively. Addressing these issues requires stronger, more standardized verification methodologies and consistent guidelines to ensure that all credits maintain high integrity and contribute meaningfully to emission reductions.
CHALLENGES IN TRACKING CARBON
Tracking and verifying reforestation projects, particularly in regions like Uganda, present significant logistical issues. Without advanced monitoring systems, the growth and health of planted trees often remain uncertain, leading to unreliable carbon outcomes. Kijani’s "Farmer-First Reforestation" model helps address these challenges by implementing robust GPS tracking and data management systems. By working directly with local communities to incentivize tree care and sustainable practices, Kijani ensures greater accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in carbon sequestration efforts. This approach also fosters community buy-in, making the reforestation process more resilient and successful.
BY 2040 KIJANI WILL PLANT 600M TREES IN UGANDA ALONE.
THIS WILL MAKE US THE LARGEST TREE PLANTING COMPANY IN THE WORLD.