FSC Report: Supporting Farmers and Sustainable Forestry in Uganda
Challenge of Land Conflicts
Global Woods operates with a 50-year license for the 12,186-hectare Kikonda Central Forest Reserve in Uganda, where it faces the challenge of illegal land use by local farmers and cattle keepers, who often encroach on the land out of economic necessity.
CSR Approach and FSC Certification
Global Woods follows a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy based on sustainable development and FSC certification principles to adapt to the local environment and address these complex socio-economic challenges. The FSC certification serves as a framework for sustainable forestry management and social integration.
“We’ve had to adapt ourselves to this environment.” says Global Woods Sustainability Manager JohnMary KisemboIt’s. “Through our CSR and management processes – structured around FSC Principles and Criteria – that we are able to deal with the land challenge and operate. If we’d waited for others to resolve land issues, we would not have this forest today.”
Economic Impact
The company supports farmers and cattle keepers – who have made up most of Kikonda reserve encroachers – by improving agricultural yields, livestock health, and financial literacy. So far, 1,012 farmers and 367 cattle keepers have benefited from this approach.
With around 600 employees, Global Woods is a major job and income creator in the region, boosting the local economy.
Land Conflicts and Solutions
Uganda’s land tenure system is complex, with multiple ownership models and overlapping claims. Around 2,000 hectares of the concession are contested. Global Woods does not plant on disputed land and works closely with local communities and authorities to find solutions.
Success Through Dialogue
By engaging in continuous dialogue and offering alternatives to illegal land use, Global Woods has gained the trust of many former encroachers. This positive integration is reflected in growing community acceptance and increasing willingness to adopt legal income sources.
Members of the Kikonda Forest Reserve management team.