The LC III Chairperson of Unyama Sub County says there has been improved treatment of the community who are carrying out farming at Abera forest in Gulu district.
Last month, the community who have been farming in Abera forest reserve were officially stopped from digging in the forest land and ordered to only harvest their crops which are already in the garden but not prepare for the next planting season.
Kidega Justine, the LC III Chairperson Unyama Sub County says they have been holding talks with the Ministry of water and environment to allow the community continue planting crops in the forest because they have grown up planting and surviving in the forest.
Kidega says he is pleased that the workers at the forest are now treating the community fairly though in the past they were very harsh, arrogant and used to destroy peoples’ crops in the forest.
He adds that some community members gave up and didn’t plant any crops while others have planted and are hoping for continuous planting without being stopped.
Kidega advises that for the forest to survive, it needs people to take care of it with love because without people the forest can never produce better trees and so government should allow people work in the plantation such that it can survive well.
Kidega says they will not rest until they create a better relationship between the government and the community around the forest.
By Rebecca Ekwany
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