Opportunities and constraints in Uganda’s policy framework for agroforestry development

Abstract

Agroforestry is increasingly becoming recognised as a sustainable land-use system that integrates trees within agricultural landscapes to enhance ecological stability, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. Despite its potential, adoption in Uganda remains limited due to the weak operationalisation of land-use policies and fragmented institutional coordination. This study determined the extent to which Uganda’s land-use policies support the strategic priorities of the Uganda National Agroforestry Strategy (2025/2027 – 2034/2035), evaluated the coherence of these policies in relation to agroforestry promotion, and examined stakeholder perspectives on interventions required to strengthen agroforestry development in Uganda. The study employed a descriptive and interpretive research design, using qualitative techniques, and conducting document analysis of the ten (10) land-use policies, which are anchored to the key global frameworks. The study also involved conducting semi-structured interviews with sixteen key informants drawn from government Ministries, Departments, & Agencies, Academia/Research organisations, Civil Society Organisations, and Development Partners. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis to determine Uganda’s land use policy–national agroforestry strategy alignment and a thematic analysis to synthesise cross-cutting narratives from participants. Findings show that Uganda’s policy framework conceptually supports agroforestry, although the degree of support varies across policies. Capacity Building emerged as the most strongly supported priority of the national agroforestry strategy, whereas Research was the least supported. The Uganda Forestry Policy (2001) demonstrated the highest alignment with the strategy, while the Climate Change Policy (2013), Energy Policy (2023), Wetlands Policy (2015) and Wildlife Policy (2014) provided minimal supportive provisions. Policy coherence was moderate but characterised by horizontal fragmentation across the agriculture, environment, land, and forestry sectors, and by weak vertical alignment with government structures. Stakeholders highlighted important interventions, including tree-tenure rights, fiscal incentives, extension systems, institutional capacity, and the mainstreaming of agroforestry in national programs. The study concludes that while agroforestry is conceptually recognised in Uganda’s land-use policy environment, implementation remains weak due to limited coordination, inadequate financing, and the absence of enforceable mechanisms. To strengthen agroforestry development, the study recommends establishing an inter-ministerial coordination platform, integrating agroforestry into sectoral and istrict planning frameworks, strengthening extension and training systems, enhancing research investment, securing tree-tenure rights, and developing value chain strategies supported by fiscal incentives. Effective translation of policy commitments into coordinated, evidence-based, and well-financed action is essential for Uganda to fully harness the ecological and livelihood benefits of agroforestry.