Bees and Trees Give Hope in Uganda

In the shadows of Mt. Elgon National Park, many farmers have long believed they must choose between trees and food crops, fearing that trees are space-hungry competitors. They therefore cut them down to grow food. The bare farmlands that starkly contrast the lush neighboring park are a testament to this phenomenon. However, Samantha and Stephen have challenged this perception. By introducing multiple sources of income, they have inspired farmers to rethink what’s possible and to envision a win-win scenario that harmonizes agriculture with nature and climate stability.

Background

In eastern Uganda, local communities are frequently battered by climate change-induced catastrophes such as floods and landslides. The reliance on exploiting natural resources has become an unfortunate necessity, providing immediate survival benefits while exacerbating long-term climate disasters. Once known as the "Food Basket of Uganda" for its fertile soils and abundant food productivity, the area is now a shadow of its former self.

Collaborating closely with stakeholders and local communities, the Bees and Trees team identified beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood alternative that also enhances the environment.

Bees for Hope project

The Bees for Hope project seamlessly integrates beekeeping and tree planting into agriculture. For years, farmers around Mt. Elgon have operated under the belief that they must choose between food crops and trees, leading to deforestation as they strive to feed a growing population. Bees and Trees, a unique social enterprise, empowers farmers to transform these trade-offs into productive partnerships. 

With modern beehives and coffee seedlings, a network of indigenous trees provides forage for the bees. The incentives for farmers are compelling: the trees nourish the bees, which in turn produce honey, creating an additional revenue stream and a safety net during crop failure periods. The trees also contribute to landscape restoration, bolster on-farm biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and assist in climate mitigation. The bees, nature’s tireless workers, contribute to food production and diversity in the ecosystem through pollination

Impact

To date, they have trained 120 farmers in sustainable agricultural practices such as agroforestry and beekeeping in Bubungi parish. Through collaborative efforts with local farmers, they have successfully planted 3,080 forage trees. This initiative has boosted honey production and restored approximately 60 acres of degraded land, enhancing biodiversity and mitigating soil erosion. This approach not only strengthens farmers' resilience but also discourages encroachment into the nearby protected area.

The benefits extend far beyond the farms. The trees enhance landscape restoration, support local biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and assist in climate mitigation. Additionally, the project has created 120 jobs across the reforestation and honey value chain and inspired over 5,000 young people to value sustainable landscape restoration practices.

Local communities in Uganda

A fully-fledged value chain for honey and coffee has been established, underscoring their commitment to conservation and economic growth. By purchasing these products from farmers and catering to end consumers, local communities have begun generating profits, extending employment opportunities to other young individuals along this value chain. Crucially, they ensure equitable compensation for farmers’ produce, thereby cementing both environmental stewardship and economic fairness.

Visit Bees and Trees Restor profile for interesting facts.