Beekeeping equipment boosts livelihoods in Fuluma,Butta,Manafwa District

Beekeeping equipment boosts livelihoods in Fuluma,Butta,Manafwa District

In a bid to improve rural livelihoods, conserve the environment, and boost household incomes, Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE) extended support to two community groups in Fuluma Butta Parish, Manafwa District, through the distribution of beekeeping equipment. This initiative is part of METGE’s wider efforts to promote sustainable development and climate resilience among communities living around the Mount Elgon ecosystem.

The beneficiary groups—Namawanga Initiative Group and Butta Environmental Integrated Association—comprising 60 members in total, including 48 women and 12 men. Each group received 20 modern beehives, bee-attracting devices, protective gear (such as bee suits and gloves), and essential tools for managing hives and harvesting honey. These tools will allow members to safely and effectively manage their apiaries, harvest quality honey, and engage in income-generating activities.

This intervention is a key component of the Advancing Gender Equality for Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation (AGECCRA) project, a one-year initiative funded by the Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa Scheme through Size of Wales. The AGECCRA project aims to reduce gender inequality, strengthen climate resilience, and improve community livelihoods through tree growing, sustainable land use, and alternative income sources like beekeeping.

According to Godmercy Kamende, METGE’s Project Officer; “beekeeping is both an environmentally friendly and economically viable activity. This initiative helps communities earn income through honey production while promoting environmental sustainability,” he says. “Bees play a vital role in pollination, which supports tree growth and enhances biodiversity. At the same time, honey and other bee products provide families with much-needed income.”

To ensure long-term success, METGE conducted practical training sessions for all 60 group members. These sessions covered key aspects of beekeeping including hive management, colony health, honey harvesting, and marketing. The training was delivered using METGE’s beekeeping training module tailored to the local context and language, enabling participants to understand and apply the knowledge easily.

The impact of the initiative is already being felt in the community. Out of the 40 beehives distributed, 37 have been successfully colonized—a colonization rate of over 90%. This strong start demonstrates both the suitability of the environment and the commitment of the group members. As of the time of reporting, a total of 15 kilograms of honey had been harvested. This honey was proudly displayed at the recent Manafwa District Agricultural Exhibition, where it received positive feedback from local leaders and potential buyers.

Richard Namunyu, one of the beneficiaries of the Butta Environmental Integrated Association, expressed deep appreciation for the support. “With bees, we can support tree growth through pollination, which is vital for our ongoing reforestation efforts,” he said. “The beehives have already helped me increase my honey production. I have sold some of it and used the money to pay school fees for my children. This has brought a real difference to my household.”

The beekeeping initiative also contributes to METGE’s broader goals of reforestation and environmental protection. By encouraging community-led conservation practices, METGE is building local ownership and enhancing the sustainability of its tree planting and restoration work. In particular, the focus on empowering women and youth has proven transformative, giving these groups new skills, confidence, and sources of income.

METGE remains committed to strengthening the resilience of communities in Manafwa District. By integrating gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management, METGE is laying the foundation for a greener and more inclusive future for the Mount Elgon region