Timber dealers in Arua City are finding it harder to keep their yards stocked. Customers are complaining about the rising prices, but the issue runs deeper. Many have to travel further into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to find timber, a journey that highlights the ongoing environmental crisis affecting Uganda and its neighbors.
One timer merchant recalls a time when timber was plentiful nearby. “Some years ago, we used to get timber nearby, but now we get it from Isiro, which is very far,” he says. The extra distance means higher transport costs, and the timber they find now is smaller and more expensive than what they used to get.
As a licensed timber dealer, you must pay taxes and meet specific requirements. “Finding timber from 20-meter long and 15-centimeter mid-diameter is almost impossible,” he explains. The struggle to access timber indicates a severe depletion of trees, yet the global trade continues to earn millions of dollars.
| Year | Distance to Timber Source (km) | Average Timber Size (cm) | Price per Cubic Meter (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 50 | 30 | 50 |
| 2024 | 300 | 15 | 100 |
Impact on Power Generation
In West Nile, the deforestation is causing more than just economic issues. River Nyagak, which generates power for the region, is feeling the impact of climate change. Nyagak III hydropower plant, which produces 6.6MW of electricity, is facing erratic water levels due to global warming.
Vincent Bwire, the plant manager at Nyagak I, explains the challenges. “We have to take readings of water levels every morning so that we know what is there and plan our day. During wet seasons, we have a lot of water. But during dry seasons, we must shut down the turbines to allow the reservoirs to replenish,” he says. This has led to scheduled power cuts, especially at night when demand is lower.
The deforestation and subsequent climate changes are also affecting agriculture. Patrick Aneniyu, the agriculture officer of Zombo district, notes the challenges. “Too much sunshine brings pests like the fall armyworm, and heavy rainfall brings diseases that ravage crops,” he explains.
Heavy rains can also lead to soil erosion and flooding, affecting both the land and the rivers. The rain patterns have changed drastically over the last decade, with seasons becoming unpredictable.
The United Nations has raised concerns about the long-term effects of deforestation in the Congo basin. Trees play a crucial role in the ecosystem by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere, which then returns as rain. The loss of trees disrupts this cycle, leading to droughts and other climate issues.
| Region | Average Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm/year) | Deforestation Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Nile | 43 | 800 | 20 |
| Border with DRC | 38 | 1200 | 15 |
Local authorities are trying to combat the effects of deforestation. In Zombo district, there are efforts to plant trees for firewood and to encourage the use of efficient energy technologies like biogas and fuel-efficient stoves. However, the preference for natural trees that produce longer-burning charcoal remains strong.
A Local resident expressed concern over the disappearance of natural trees. “The way it used to rain is not the way it is raining now. Natural trees used to cover most places, but people are now planting instead.”
