Intensive deforestation in the mountains of Moroto and foothills is leading to
severe erosion and loss of biodiversity while threatening the livelihoods of the
communities. The project is situated in Matheniko County of Karamoja, Northeastern
Uganda where, Mt. Moroto Forest & Matheniko wildlife reserves are found. Mt. Moroto
forest reserve is adjacent to Moroto town, which has a high demand for forest products
and wildlife products. The reserve supports 36 species of flora & fauna not found in other
forests in Uganda. Mt. Moroto forest has been heavily degraded due to hunting,
mining, agricultural encroachment, grazing, bush fires, charcoal burning, brick
making, firewood selling, conflict, and poverty. Most land is used for grazing
and for wildlife habitat, with some for agriculture and wood fuel harvesting.
The main aim of Euriaroth is to mitigate land degradation as well as provide
alternative sources of livelihood through relief of malnutrition by the production
of goat milk throughout the year and plantations of fodder trees and medicinal
plants. In cooperation with interested women groups, a sustainable use of
natural resources is to be developed through regeneration of biodiversity on
abandoned land, runoff water harvesting, forest conservation and improved
pastures. Activities are mainly on breeding, environmental conservation and
capacity building. This is done in partnership with Lutheran World Federation
(LWF) and GEF Cross Boarder Biodiversity Project