Now Live: Climate-Smart Farming for the Longterm in Uganda!
About
Who We Are
Kikandwa Environmental Association (KEA) is a community-based organization in Uganda dedicated to improving rural livelihoods through environmental conservation and sustainable development. Founded in 1999 in Mityana District, KEA was created in response to growing challenges including land degradation, food insecurity, and poverty within local communities.
Over the years, KEA has grown into a trusted grassroots organization working closely with farmers, families, and partners to restore ecosystems while creating practical opportunities for people to thrive.
Our Story
A community-driven approach to sustainable development
KEA began as a local response to a visible problem. Communities were facing declining soil fertility, reduced crop yields, and increasing pressure on natural resources. Instead of relying on short-term solutions, KEA focused on long-term, community-driven change.
By introducing agroforestry, promoting indigenous knowledge, and working hand-in-hand with local farmers, KEA helped transform degraded land into productive, sustainable ecosystems. What started as a small initiative has grown into a model for community-led environmental restoration.
Our Work
Kikandwa Environmental Association (KEA) works at the intersection of environmental conservation, community development and sustainable livelihoods to deliver practical solutions to interconnected challenges facing people and nature. Our work harnesses the power of forests, trees and agroforestry systems to address climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and rural poverty.
Through an integrated landscape approach, we work alongside local communities, government institutions, development partners, researchers and the private sector to co-create solutions that are locally relevant, scalable and sustainable. We combine scientific knowledge, indigenous practices, community participation and long-term partnerships to achieve meaningful and lasting impact.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
KEA promotes nature-based solutions that enhance climate resilience and reduce environmental degradation. We support forest conservation and restoration, agroforestry adoption, sustainable land management and ecosystem regeneration to increase carbon sequestration and strengthen communities' ability to adapt to climate change.
Our initiatives include community tree planting, restoration of degraded landscapes, climate-smart agriculture, wetland conservation and environmental education programmes that empower communities to become active stewards of their natural resources.
By embedding climate action into local development planning and community-led governance, we contribute to building resilient landscapes that support both people and ecosystems.
Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
We work to protect, restore and sustainably manage biodiversity-rich ecosystems across Uganda. Our programmes focus on restoring forest landscapes, conserving indigenous tree species, improving soil health and promoting sustainable natural resource management practices.
We champion community-led conservation initiatives, women's participation and inclusive environmental governance that recognises local knowledge and strengthens stewardship of forests, farms and water resources.
Through collaborative action, we seek to restore degraded ecosystems while safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
Food and Nutrition Security
KEA promotes climate-resilient agroforestry and regenerative farming systems that integrate trees into agricultural landscapes. These systems improve soil fertility, conserve water, diversify household incomes and increase access to nutritious food.
Our work supports farmer training, agroecological practices, sustainable value chains and the adoption of environmentally responsible farming techniques that reduce dependence on costly external inputs.
Tree-based farming systems strengthen resilience to climate shocks, improve productivity and contribute to healthier, more sustainable food systems.
Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Well-being
We support communities living within and around forest and agroforestry landscapes to build resilient and dignified livelihoods. Our work strengthens community organisations, promotes sustainable enterprises, enhances women's economic participation and supports equitable access to natural resources.
By bridging traditional knowledge with practical innovation, we develop locally driven solutions that improve livelihoods, protect ecosystems and create opportunities for long-term social and economic transformation.
Our approach places communities at the centre of environmental stewardship and recognises that healthy ecosystems are essential to human well-being.
Our Approach
KEA applies integrated landscape management principles to address environmental challenges and competing land uses across communities and ecosystems. We combine scientific evidence with local knowledge, participatory planning, adaptive learning and long-term partnerships.
We collaborate with government agencies, academic institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community groups, farmers and the private sector to design and implement practical and scalable solutions.
Our work includes environmental restoration, agroforestry development, community mobilisation, capacity building, policy advocacy, research, stakeholder engagement and inclusive approaches that promote gender equality and community leadership.
Our Ambition to 2035
Our Presence
Kikandwa Environmental Association is rooted in Uganda and works with communities across diverse landscapes to promote environmental restoration and sustainable development. Through strategic partnerships and community networks, we continue to expand our impact and strengthen local capacities for environmental stewardship.
Our Identity
Kikandwa Environmental Association (KEA) is a Ugandan non-governmental organisation dedicated to environmental conservation, agroforestry promotion and sustainable community development. Through partnerships, innovation and community-led action, KEA works to restore ecosystems, improve livelihoods and build resilient landscapes for present and future generations.
Our team
Our Leadership
John Kaganga
Founder & Director
Heather Box
International Partner, USA
kizito Geoffrey
Program Officer
What We Do
Sustainable solutions in action
Our Approach
Driving Global Impact through Sustainable Solutions
At KEA, communities are at the center of everything we do. We believe sustainable change happens when people are actively involved in shaping solutions.
Participatory
Communities co-create and lead initiatives
Practical
Solutions are simple, adaptable, and locally relevant
Sustainable
Focused on long-term environmental and economic impact
Inclusive
Engaging women, youth, and marginalized groups
