Meet Our Planting Partner: Benon Baluk, CEO of DREAM International
At Planting on Demand, we are proud to work with incredible partners who share our mission of restoring ecosystems and empowering communities. One of these partners is Benon Baluk, CEO of DREAM International, our planting partner in Uganda. His leadership and passion for agroforestry are transforming landscapes while aligning closely with our own values.
DREAM International is a community-led organization tackling the environmental challenges facing Uganda’s mountain slope communities. These regions struggle with soil erosion, landslides, and deforestation—problems that threaten both livelihoods and lives. As Benon explained, “Many people sneak into national parks to cut trees for charcoal or gather herbal medicine, risking their lives and arrest.” DREAM International’s mission is to plant native and fruit-bearing trees at the household level, reducing deforestation pressure and providing families with sustainable resources.
Benon told us, “We plant trees that restore degraded land and also provide food and income to families.” By focusing on native species valuable for agroforestry, DREAM International brings together environmental restoration with practical support for farmers. Their approach mirrors our own at Planting on Demand, making them a natural and deeply valued partner in our work.
Trees as Tools for Change
Benon’s commitment to tree planting is inspiring. “Planting trees is my passion,” he shared. “I feel so happy when many trees are planted along riparian land or bare hills.” Trees provide many benefits: they control erosion, fix nitrogen, offer herbal medicine, slow wind speeds, produce food, and supply timber.
He recalled a moment when a group of elderly community members approached him, eager to plant trees because, as they told him, “A life with trees is worthwhile.” For Benon, this encounter reaffirmed his dedication to sharing agroforestry practices far and wide.
Diversity for Sustainability
A key part of DREAM International’s model is planting a diverse range of tree species. Benon explained that each tree provides unique benefits, both cultural and practical. For instance, Prunus africana is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating prostate ailments. Albizia coriaria is prized by coffee farmers for its nitrogen-fixing abilities. Avocado trees provide vital vitamins and food security.
“Each tree species holds unique meaning and use for our communities,” Benon noted. This diversity reflects both ecological needs and cultural traditions—an approach that aligns closely with Planting on Demand’s values of sustainable, community-centered reforestation.
Empowering Local Leadership
DREAM International emphasizes community ownership of its planting initiatives. The organization works with farmer groups, training their leaders through a ‘Training of Trainers’ (TOT) approach. These leaders then pass on their knowledge to other farmers, creating a powerful peer-to-peer learning network.
“The decision-making is done by the community,” Benon emphasized. “Because the training is led by their own members, it reflects their needs and values.” This participatory model ensures the work is sustainable, inclusive, and responsive—another reason we’re proud to call DREAM International our planting partner.
Shared and Individual Benefits
While the environmental benefits—cleaner air, reduced landslides, improved biodiversity—are shared across the community, Benon explained that the economic rewards are personal. “The harvest belongs to the farmer who plants the tree on their land,” he said. This direct benefit motivates farmers to care for their trees, knowing the fruits, timber, and other products will directly support their families.
Planting Trees That Matter Most
Each planting season, DREAM International conducts needs assessments with local farmer groups to determine what trees to grow. “We ask them what trees they want to plant,” Benon shared. The organization then sources seeds, raises them in nurseries, and distributes seedlings when the rains arrive. This collaborative process ensures that the trees planted reflect community needs and traditions, strengthening local ownership and stewardship.
Helping Trees Thrive
One challenge Benon’s team faces is ensuring farmers continue to care for their trees. “Some farmers think trees will grow on their own,” he said. Others plant trees far from their homes, making maintenance difficult. To address this, DREAM International organizes refresher trainings and regular monitoring visits, offering guidance and encouraging farmers to support one another. These efforts help increase tree survival rates and foster a culture of care.
Through Benon Baluk’s leadership and DREAM International’s grassroots efforts, agroforestry becomes more than planting trees—it’s about restoring ecosystems, strengthening livelihoods, and nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship. At Planting on Demand, we are honored to partner with DREAM International, whose vision and values align so closely with ours.