Tree plantations are seen by some as the answer to addressing deforestation in Uganda, but others argue planting non-native species may be doing more harm than good.

An article in Earth Island Journal looks at Kasozi, a small village of north of Kampala, which was once ringed by forests. Today it has been replaced by plantations of pine, teak and eucalyptus.

The plantations are supported by Uganda’s National Forestry Authority because they provide timber, employment and income, and store carbon. With support from the World Bank, United Nations and European Union, the government has been providing subsidies, seedlings and advice to encourage landowners to set up plantations.

Critics say such plantations are harmful to the environment. Eucalyptus, for example, has been criticised for leaching nutrients from the soil making it difficult for other plants to compete. While there is a push for plantations of native rather than introduced species, it is argued that they are not financially viable.

There is also the issue of land grabs as international corporates vie for huge tracts of land for agriculture, forestry or mining; threatening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Read the full story: Missing the Forest for the Trees