1 TIST Uganda May News Letter 2017 The TREE is a monthly newsletter Published by TIST Uganda, a project area of The International Small Group and Tree Planting Program. Mission statement: TIST Uganda is a community initiative dedicated to empowering small groups of subsistence farmers to combat the devastating effects of deforestation, poverty and drought. Objective statement: Combining sustainable development with carbon sequestration, TIST supports the reforestation efforts of over 25,000 subsistence farmers. Sales of carbon credits generate participant income while TIST today also addresses agriculture, HIV/ AIDS, nutrition and fuel wood challenges. Address: TIST Uganda. Katungu Hill, Bushenyi Town. P.O. Box 232, Bushenyi, Uganda, East Africa. Website: www.tist.org In this Issue: 1. The Secret behind TIST Success, TIST Values are that: 2. Advantages of farmers following the Application and Registration Process 3.
Progress of Cluster formation in Uganda 4. Multiple projects from TIST program 2 1. The Secret behind TIST Success, TIST Values are that: v We are Honest v We are Transparent v We are Accurate v We are Volunteers v We are mutually Accountable v We are servants to each other v We create LOW budget and get High Results 2. Advantages of farmers following the Application and Registration Process This process gives the chance to new committed groups to join TIST. The application and registration process have been revised and incorporated as best practices by the Small Group members, trainers and quantifiers. This process helps the Small groups form clusters with “low 3 budget with big results”. It will support the low-cost quantification, training and auditing.
4 Lower costs will mean more money for the farmers, and better training makes TIST stronger and small groups stronger. Groups that join TIST through this process will be committed to working together to plant trees and undertake other beneficial actions on their land and in their community for the long-term. They will be sure they understand the basics of TIST and be committed to TIST values. Advancing from ordinary beds to raised beds: Energy saving cook stove 5 Below is a list of new Small Groups that have applied and are ready for registration D i s t r i c t Number Group Groups registered G u l u 1 2 0 3 7 K a y u n g a 3 9 2 4 K y e n j o j o 1 0 0 7 3 Kiryandongo 2 7 2 0 S o r o t i 8 8 3 7 O m o r o 6 2 1 9 Nakasongora 4 2 1 1 3. Progress of Cluster formation in Uganda. TIST Uganda’s plan is to have all TIST groups organized in active clusters to improve monitoring and support of the small groups as for a successful Carbon business. Each cluster is expected to have servant leaders to support the success and share their strength. Women and men are encouraged to alternate in the elections. For example if the accountability person is a man, the next one elected will be a woman. The cluster is supposed to democratically elect a new Accountability person every four months. Cluster elections are important and mandatory for all TIST clusters. 6 Rutenga Cluster is one of the clusters in Kabale District, South Western Uganda. Mr. Rwengubu a cluster leader of Rutenga Cluster had to say.
"I have so far served for two months and these are my roles as Cluster leader. I am a servant to the whole cluster and I demonstrate TIST values. . So far, we have been coordinating cluster meeting and making sure that they well organized. I have helped to recruit more small groups to be registered. I motivate famers to form more groups; this includes planting of trees and practicing CF. I make sure that the best practices and experiences are shared and discussed. In the payment system, I will work with the accountability person to ensure that the vouchers are signed by the real owners of the group. I have helped the small group contracts to be signed. I usually remind the Small Group members of the next meeting. I communicate any questions or problems to TIST leaders. I collaborate with my co- leader and accountability person to make sure that my leadership becomes the best. 7 Rutoto Cluster Nyarushanje Cluster Rutenga Cluster 4. Multiple projects from TIST program Biramaheire is a widower from Kitumba Sub County, Kabale District. "My tree planting project started when I had tree nursery beds as a farmer in the year 2000. Many people would buy tree seedlings from me. When I inquired from one of my customers, he told me the reasons for planting. I was informed about the TIST programme. I joined after I had been trained about conservation farming, tree beds establishment and energy cooking for low energy utilization. I planted 200 trees for the start. Now I have 3000 trees only."
“I have benefited from TIST so much especially conservation farming and manure making. This has helped me to increase on my yields and have multiple projects. I have two zero grazing cows and 200 chicken all these contribute to my conservation farming projects. This has increased my yields from the beans and sorghum planted” 8 "I have a lot of manure for my fields and my backyard gardens. I have several sources of income including trees planted for carbon business. In every payment, I am given more than 300,000 Shs, which I use to buy more land and clearing the bushy plantations. So far, I have bought more two pieces of land. I am planning to put more trees for the Carbon business. I have been able to pay fees for my children. I have enough fuel wood for cooking using the energy saving stove taught to us by the TIST workers. I thank TIST Uganda for the support and guidance offered to us farmers. There was no tree-planting programme in our area but now every village person is aware of its benefits. Long Live TIST Uganda" Fruit trees ready for planting at Apex Agro Farm and Nursery bed (Apples and Mangos)