Uganda community revitalizes forest through beekeeping

In Rwentumba Village, Uganda, a once-degraded forest is being revitalized by the Rwentumba Communal Land Association (CLA). The community now manages 280 acres of forest, earning income through modern beekeeping practices supported by the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST).

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When we looked at tree planting, we realised the benefits would take many years because trees need 10 to 15 years to mature. We needed something that could give us income earlier while encouraging us to conserve the forest.

The association formed after residents were mobilized to conserve the Rwentumba community forest instead of clearing it for sugarcane plantations. Recognizing that tree planting benefits take years to mature, the community sought an activity offering earlier income while protecting the environment. Beekeeping emerged as the preferred option due to its lower investment requirements, existing basic knowledge among members, and the abundance of floral resources in the forest.

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We selected beekeeping because it required less investment, we already had some basic knowledge, and the forest provides plenty of flowers and plants that bees need for food.

Starting in 2020 with 10 Kenya Top Bar (KTB) beehives and training, the association faced initial challenges with termites but overcame them with improved management techniques. In 2023, they received 100 modern Langstroth hives, significantly boosting honey production. According to Project Coordinator Christopher Byamukama, these hives are easier to manage and yield faster harvests, with each hive producing about 10 kilograms of honey every three months.

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The Langstroth hives are easier to inspect, easier to harvest, and they produce honey much faster. On average, one hive can produce about 10 kilograms of honey every harvest, and we harvest after every three months.

ECOTRUST also provided training in proper honey harvesting, processing, and storage to ensure high-quality products. Farmers now use protective gear, smokers, and extractors for safe harvesting that preserves bee colonies, a significant improvement from traditional methods. The initiative demonstrates a successful blend of environmental conservation and sustainable livelihood development.

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Everything we are doing today is knowledge we received through the training. We learnt how to manage the bees, harvest clean honey and store it properl