In Uganda's northeastern district of Kotido, where the land is dry and the climate harsh, a bold idea is taking root. Tree by tree, woman by woman, Kotido is transforming from a landscape of scarcity into one of resilience. Faced with eroding soil, unreliable rainfall, and resource-based conflict, communities are embracing tree planting as both an environmental solution and as symbols of peace.

Funded by the Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF), through the African Development Bank Group and implemented by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the "Enhancing Gender Equality in Access to Land Resources for Transformative Climate Change Adaptation in the IGAD Region" project is helping women lead a green revolution. The project aims to boost gender-transformative climate resilience through equitable land access and secure tenure in Uganda, Kenya, and Djibouti.

Climate meets courage

In Kotido, 500 kilometers north of the capital Kampala, a reforestation transformation is underway with women at the heart of these efforts.

Kotido serves as a pilot site with a $470,000 budget. The two-year effort has already trained roughly 130 rural women, civil society, and district leaders -- equipping them with skills, seedlings, and a renewed sense of purpose.

"Kotido is a region where women are essential to survival, but remain underrepresented in decision-making," said Jocelyn Bigirwa, IGAD's Head of Mission to Uganda and a gender and land expert.

Before planting began, an IGAD review revealed that women were the main labor force -- planting, watering, harvesting -- but had little control over land or agricultural planning.

"Training women was key, but so was the involvement of district leaders and civil society to dismantle entrenched barriers," Bigirwa explained.

Three stakeholder groups -- women's cooperatives, civil society representatives, and local officials -- received tailored training on climate action through tree planting.

"For the first time, ministries came together -- land, gender, environment," recalls Christine Okot, Principal Gender Officer at Uganda's Ministry of Gender. "Before, we were all working with the same communities but speaking different languages. This project bridged that gap."

That bridge, she noted, has deep roots stemmed in an overall change of approach.

"We used to give women funds and called it empowerment. Now we know real empowerment requires addressing tree loss, climate stress, and land access," Okot said.

From clerk to conservationist

Few stories capture this transformation better than that of Jane Logel. Known as "Mama Jane", Kotido Municipality's Assistant Town Clerk is a passionate environmental educator and mentor.

Throughout her lifetime, Jane witnessed shrinking tree cover and rising drought. Rather than wait for change, she planted it -- literally. After IGAD training, she returned home determined to green her land and empower others.

Today, her once-barren compound features tree nurseries, compost pits, and vegetable beds supported by water conservation. Local women come to her compound to learn from her success, Logel explained. "I share everything I know -- planting, water conservation, and finding our voice."

Logel also works with local extension officers and farmer field schools to ensure women have access to seedlings and ongoing support.

"Sharing is how we grow; knowledge shouldn't end with one person," she added. "We're changing our land and our lives, one seed at a time."

Civil society as catalysts for change

Logel's evolution from trainee to trainer was bolstered by local civil society organizations (CSOs), which bridged government policy and grassroots action.

"Without them, tree planting might have stayed on paper," said the IGAD Uganda Head of Mission. "They mobilize, advocate, and ensure continuity."

Logel agreed: "CSOs helped us write proposals, get seeds, and even pushed the government to establish a municipal nursery."

This coordinated support extended to Kotido's highest leadership. Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor declared April 3rd as "Tree Planting Day" in Kotido.

"This isn't a one-off event," Ichogor said. "It's about reshaping how we think about land, climate, and each other."

Women-led transformation

In dusty Lokochil village, Lina Lomadiko, a 55-year-old mother, councillor, and community advocate has become a symbol of resilience.

"I didn't have land or water. But after the [IGAD] training, I started a tree nursery," she said. "Every tree brings us closer to water, food, and peace."

Inspired by her leadership and determination, her community has followed suit. She teaches other women how to make a simple irrigation system using water bottles and leads land rights discussions.

Lomakido's story resonates. Kaya Christina Nakimwero, Chair of the Uganda Parliamentarians Land Management Forum, believes this model is vital for scale.

"This project got it right--women, land, and climate in one package. We must replicate it," Nakimwero stated. "Climate adaptation doesn't work without land tenure security."

Funding a movement: the Bank's role

For the African Development Bank and Africa Climate Change Fund, this initiative was about more than funding. It was about restoring degraded environments and rebalancing gender dynamics.

"The impact is visible," said Bela Emile Kouakou, Programme Officer at the ACCF Secretariat within the Bank. "There are trees where none stood, women leading where they once stood back and government ownership has followed."

"We enabled a movement," Kouakou said proudly. "Now we must ensure it continues."

Sowing seeds of hope beyond Kotido

If such transformation is possible in Kotido, why stop there?

"Kotido was always a beginning," said Bigirwa, IGAD's Uganda head. "It represented deep vulnerability--and vast opportunity."

Designed with local and national collaboration, the model is now poised for replication. Plans are underway to expand across Uganda's cattle corridor and into cross-border landscapes, leveraging IGAD's regional reach.

One thing is certain: when women are given knowledge, space, and seedlings, they don't just grow trees -- they grow futures.

"Climate change doesn't respect borders," Bigirwa reminded. "Neither should solutions."