Lamwo Farmers Adapt Beekeeping to Transforms Livelihoods
These members have undergone numerous trainings in beekeeping, honey harvesting, value addition, and quality control, among other skills,
Farmers’ groups in Lamwo district are utilizing apiculture to enhance their household income.
Lamwo, one of the refugee-hosting districts, faces resource constraints due to the substantial refugee population it hosts.
To mitigate the strain on limited resources, hundreds of farmers have embraced beekeeping to boost their income, especially amid challenges like low agricultural productivity, adverse weather conditions, and scarce income-generating opportunities.
Upon venturing into beekeeping, some farmers’ groups have attested that it provides alternative income streams, especially during poor crop yields and off-seasons.
Sunday Okello, the chairperson of Nyeko Rac Beekeeping Enterprise in Apyeta North Village, Palabek Ogili sub-county, leads a group of 15 members established in 2018, now managing 100 beehives.
These members have undergone numerous trainings in beekeeping, honey harvesting, value addition, and quality control, among other skills, offered by various organizations. Equipped with this knowledge, they now operate a savings association. The proceeds from honey sales are deposited into the Village Savings and Loans Association, allowing members to access funds for agricultural interventions through loans.
The group harvests honey twice a year, earning an average of UGX 3.6 million from the 15 beehives owned by the members per season, translating to 360 kilograms of honey. Each kilogram fetches between UGX 8,000 and 10,000, depending on its quality.
The Waci Iwiya Beekeeping group, chaired by Michael Oyet, manages 250 beehives yielding over 5,000 kilograms of honey per harvest season, generating over UGX 50 million.
The success of the Waci Iwiya group has enabled members to invest in livestock and housing, as exemplified by Oyet’s acquisition of cattle, goats, pigs, and construction of a four-room house.
Grace Adiyo, a member of the Waci Imiyo beekeeping group, utilizes profits to educate her four children. Beatrice Acen, the Vice Chairperson of the Apyeta North Beekeeping Group, highlights the group’s impact on addressing gender-based violence and community hygiene.
Pauline Acayo, a single mother and member of the Mego Lonyo Beekeeping group, shares how beekeeping transformed her economic situation following her separation from her husband. Lamwo district boasts over 280 beekeeping groups and 785 individual apiarists, contributing to an estimated annual honey production of 25 tons.
Wilfred Ochora, the Lamwo District Entomologist, emphasizes the district’s potential, with honey production fetching over UGX 250 million annually.
Robert Okodia, CEO of Barkman Honey Limited, reveals their collaboration with over 8,000 beekeeping farmers in northern Uganda, particularly in Lamwo, known for producing high-quality honey. The company engages in value addition, processing honey, bee wax, venom, and exporting honey to countries like Japan.
A 2022 report by the Uganda Investment Authority highlights Uganda’s honey production potential, with global market estimates reaching 1.8 million metric tons annually, generating USD 7.8 billion.
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