GISCorps Volunteer Assists Kyaninga Forest Foundation with their GIS Needs

Volunteer: Izzy McLees

Uganda faces significant deforestation, with over 2.5 million hectares of forest lost since 1990, replaced largely by monoculture plantations of eucalyptus and pine, which offer limited biodiversity and ecosystem services. Moreover, over 90% of the population relies on firewood or charcoal for cooking, further straining natural resources.

The Kyaninga Forest Foundation (KFF) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2017. Since then, KFF has tried to address the growing demand for natural resources, particularly firewood, by communities near Lake Kyaninga and Kyaninga Forest. KFF has planted over 120,000 trees by 2024 and expanded its main nursery to hold 30,000 seedlings in addition to 5 satellite nurseries, each holding 5,000 seedlings. These efforts have enhanced biodiversity in Kyaninga Forest and promoted agroforestry practices among local communities, easing the pressure on the remaining forest. Despite these successes, Uganda’s rapid population growth has increased the urgency to develop sustainable energy solutions and climate-smart agricultural practices. KFF now works across multiple districts in Western Uganda to support communities in adopting sustainable practices while preserving ecosystems for future generations.

Trees give life. We lived in them, we lived off them, and now we must live with them!

KFF has been using ArcGIS Online (AGO) since 2023. They have created multiple Survey123 forms using Survey123 Web and Connect. They need the assistance of a seasoned GISCorps Volunteer with the following tasks:

  1. Review and audit KFF’s current datasets resulting from multiple Surveys.
  2. Assist with creating aesthetically pleasing Dashboards from the data collected via Survey123 forms. 
  3. Introduce other relevant AGO products such as: Dashboard, Field Maps, and Quick Capture. 
  4. Train KFF’s representatives and also leave training material (written and recorded) behind for future reference to provide a sustainable solution. 

Izzy McLees, a GISCorps volunteer from London, UK, is selected to help KFF with their GIS needs.

Recruitment complete, project in progress.

 

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