When Morungatuny in Uganda realized the essential need to start replanting trees in the face of their ever-depleting forests, they realized something stunning: not only was nature becoming healthier, but the trees were reducing gender-based violence and improving the community as a whole. 

Trees are the looming lifelines of our planet, and their roots run deep in rural Uganda. But in Morungatuny burning them for charcoal was the main economic driver of the economy. And trees were needed for firewood for cooking and building. 

The rates of consumption soon outpaced the availability of trees. This resulted in extra difficulties faced by women, from the long distances they had to travel for firewood, to higher rates of domestic violence caused by economic stress. 

So the community was faced with a question: what could they change to make life better for everyone – and for future generations especially. Community members like Jethro and Aliba Mary came to the community with answers — answers pulled from nature itself. 

This episode was produced by Izzie Helenchilde and edited by Tara Sprickerhoff. 

Pictures from Morungatuny and a transcript are available at https://farmradio.org/five-trees-for-every-child/

More about Nature Answers: Rural Stories from a Changing Planet at farmradio.org/natureanswers

This is a Farm Radio International podcast produced thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.