How trees and bees are transforming landscapes and lives in Uganda

Project update

20 Feb

Written By International Tree Foundation

“Our area was facing the challenge of serious cutting down of trees due to low food production and low income,” says Jessica Sibyitha. “The trees were being cut to provide a source of income in the form of selling charcoal and firewood.”

For generations, people in Mbunga sub-county, Western Uganda have relied on agriculture, primarily coffee and vanilla, for their livelihoods.

However, land degradation, fuelled by unsustainable farming practices and the climate crisis, is threatening their harvests, food security and financial wellbeing.

But with training and resources, farmers like Jessica and Jemima Kyakima are transforming their lives and restoring Mbunga’s agricultural landscapes by planting trees and keeping bees.

Jessica Sibyitha standing next to some beehives

Planting transformational trees on farms

Right now, hundreds of farmers are planting and nurturing evergreen trees like markhamia lutea to enrich the soil for future harvests. They’re also growing fruit trees like mango, avocado and pawpaw which can sold at local markets and boost their income.

Overtime, these trees will attract birds and insects that will help keep pests at bay. And they’ll help create a more resilient ecosystem by providing much-needed protection against floods, landslides and mudslides.

Busy bees

“Beekeeping is now one of the most important activities through which I hope to get means of survival in the near future,” says Jemima.

Beyond tree planting, farmers like Jessica and Jemima are becoming apiarists, caring for colonies of busy bees that will help boost local biodiversity and improve their livelihoods.

So far, 4 apiaries have been created, 13 beehives have been colonised and the first honey harvest is expected to come as soon as this March!

Samuel Muhindo, ITF’s Western Uganda Project Officer, says that Jessica and Jemima could harvest between 8 to 10 kilograms of honey. And 1 kilogram alone can fetch up to 12,000 Ugandan shillings.

Jemima Kyakimwa weeding some plants near her apiary.

With each tree planted and each beehive buzzing, Mbunga’s landscapes are transforming, and so are the lives of the people who depend on it.

And thanks to the tree-mendous support of people like you, local communities will be better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change and secure a brighter future for generations to come.