FMNR Project
Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration – A community-driven approach to restoring Uganda’s forest reserves
Project Context
The FMNR Jubiya Project, funded by the Heidehof Foundation and implemented by Good Forests Foundation Uganda (GFU), seeks to demonstrate FMNR as a model for large-scale forest and community restoration. The project’s goal is to enable local communities to adopt FMNR as a community-oriented restoration model in nature reserves across Uganda. Over its three-year duration (June 2025 – May 2028), the project will restore the degraded area, promote enclave participation and lobby for FMNR to be used as a tool for large-scale restoration.
Uganda's forest reserves are under increasing pressure from agricultural expansion, fuelwood collection, and unsustainable land use practices. As a result, forest cover has declined significantly, with severe implications for biodiversity, climate resilience, and community livelihoods.
Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) has emerged as a cost-effective, scalable, and community-driven approach to restoring degraded landscapes. By protecting and managing naturally occurring shoots, tree stumps and root systems, FMNR accelerates forest regeneration, supports biodiversity, improves soil and water conservation, and provides sustainable benefits to local communities.
Key Challenges Addressed
Agricultural expansion threatening forest reserves
Fuelwood collection and unsustainable land use
Declining forest cover affecting biodiversity
Reduced climate resilience and community livelihoods
FMNR as cost-effective restoration approach
Project Goal
Farmers in Uganda adopt reforestation approaches that are climate-friendly and support high-value products for their livelihood needs.
Project Objectives
Land Restoration
Restore 150 hectares of degraded forest land in the Jubiya Central Forest Reserve through Assisted Natural Regeneration and FMNR
Community Practices
Promote FMNR and agroforestry practices in at least seven enclave villages
Policy Advocacy
Advocate for FMNR adoption as a national tool for conservation and climate adaptation
Implementation Approach
GFU’s approach combines community participation, knowledge sharing, and practical restoration activities designed for lasting impact.
Capacity Building
Equipping farmers and local leaders with FMNR and agroforestry skills
Protection & Management
Protecting regenerating tree stumps and applying assisted natural regeneration
Agroforestry Integration
Supporting households to plant trees alongside crops for sustainable systems
Monitoring & Evaluation
Conducting regular site visits and reflection sessions to track progress
Stakeholder Collaboration
Collaborating with authorities to strengthen FMNR adoption nationally
By protecting regenerating tree stumps, pruning shoots to enhance growth, and applying assisted natural regeneration techniques, we create sustainable and productive farming systems.
Expected Impact
Environmental Benefits
Forest Restoration
Restoration of 150 hectares of forest cover in Jubiya CFR
Ecosystem Health
Improved soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity recovery
Climate Mitigation
Increased carbon sequestration contributes to climate mitigation
Socio-Economic Impact
Resource Access
Sustainable access to firewood, fodder, and forest products
Economic Improvement
Improved food security and increased household income
Community Capacity
Strengthened community capacity to manage natural resources
Institutional and Policy Impact
Policy Integration
Integration of FMNR into district and national restoration programs
Enhanced Collaboration
Stronger collaboration between communities, government, and partners
What is FMNR?
Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a low-cost, sustainable land restoration technique that involves protecting and managing naturally regenerating trees and shrubs from tree stumps, roots, and seeds already present in the soil.
Unlike traditional tree planting, FMNR works with nature’s own regeneration processes, making it more cost-effective, climate-resilient, and ecologically appropriate. It allows farmers to restore degraded land while continuing to farm, creating a win-win situation for both agriculture and forestry.
Support FMNR in Uganda
Help us scale Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration to restore forests, empower communities, and combat climate change.