100,000 Karagwe residents reap benefits of agroforestry’s carbon trading

KARAGWE: OVER 100,000 residents have begun benefiting from carbon trading through an agroforestry project being implemented in Karagwe District, Kagera Region.

The Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Dr Festo Dugange, revealed this when addressing residents after touring and inspecting the Kinoni Agroforestry Farm project, implemented by KADERES Company, noting that environmental conservation has been given top priority by the ministry.

The minister said that the government is committed to uplifting its citizens economically by ensuring they take advantage of carbon trading opportunities so that individual farmers can benefit directly.

“I have seen this impressive farm, which has been in place for several years, and we have been informed that the goal is to ensure up to one million citizens benefit from carbon trading through their farms. This is very good news because, in addition to harvesting your crops such as bananas and coffee, you also earn income from carbon trade,” he said.

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Moreover, he commended the regional and district leadership, as well as the company, and urged residents to seize the opportunity by registering and entering the formal system to benefit financially and improve their livelihoods.

He said that the Vice President’s Office will continue to support the initiative, including providing education on best environmental conservation practices to ensure sustained benefits.

The Deputy Minister further noted that Parliament has passed a law establishing the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), which facilitates the registration of carbon trading projects in the country.