By Steven Enatu
AMURIA
Amuria honey farmers have embarked on a journey to honey production, which will not only support bee farming but also contribute to land restoration by promoting biodiversity and pollination.
Amuria well known for indigenous trees such as Ekungur which faces threat of extinction will see a number of indigenous tress being planted in the area to accommodate apiary project through this project.
Amuria Honey project is led by Georgell Emanu, a renowned farmer and evangelist in a transformative initiative that has been met with enthusiasm from the local community.
The initiative has provided employment opportunities particularly to women and to young people empowering them economically and socially.
With Uganda’s population exceeding 45 million, the demand for honey is 980 tons far surpassing the current production of 85 tonnes annually.
“As the demand for honey continues to rise, it is crucial that the government and other stakeholders support and replicate the success achieved in Amuria throughout the country. By investing in sustainable beekeeping practices and tree conservation efforts, Uganda can elevate its honey industry to new heights, benefiting both its citizens and the environment,” says Emanu.
According to Emanu, he envisions constructing a state-of-the-art honey processing plant in Amuria, with a focus on exporting high-quality honey products to both African and international markets.
He further added that Amuria Honey aims to revitalize the local economy and reduce the price of honey from 25,000 UgX per kilogram to a more affordable 20,000 UgX.
Outlining the company’s emphasis on land restoration and agroforestry, Emanu stressed the significant progress of this project, with 600,000 trees planted, 100,000 seedlings distributed, and 1,000 families actively engaged in beekeeping and tree planting activities. Through partnerships with government entities and organizations like Enterprise Uganda and Africa Eats, Amuria Honey is paving the way for sustainable agriculture practices in the region.
Emanu says they are committed to expanding their impact by planting 5,400 acres of trees, colonizing all 6,000 hives, and completing the construction of the honey processing plant by the end of 2024.
With global honey demand projected to reach over $30 billion by 2030, Teso has the potential to become a significant supplier in the market, contributing to poverty alleviation and food security in the region.
Historically known for producing the finest honey in the world, Teso faced setbacks due to civil unrest, leading to a decline in bee farming and deforestation.
