Kotido district seeks to revive apiary industry as viable alternative to livestock farming
According to records from the District Production Department, Kotido produced over 15 tonnes of honey during the 2022/2023 financial year, with unprocessed honey fetching Shs 12,000 per kilogramme on the market, evidence of the sector’s potential
KOTIDO, August 18, 2025 – Authorities in Kotido District are renewing efforts to revitalise the region’s beekeeping industry as a sustainable and viable alternative to livestock farming, which has been severely affected by cattle rustling.
Over the years, development partners including Andre Foods International [AFI], CARITAS Uganda, and the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda [DINU] have supported honey production in the district by identifying and training apiary farmers, installing beehives, and establishing a honey processing plant in Kacheri Sub-county for value addition.
Despite these efforts, the venture has faced a number of setbacks, including poor facility management, poor harvesting techniques, and inadequate post-harvest handling. These challenges have affected both the quality and marketability of the honey, making it less competitive.
Experts note that honey is a valuable commodity with numerous benefits and great potential to provide a sustainable source of income for families in Kotido. With proper management and technical support, the apiary sector could flourish and make a significant contribution to the local economy.
According to records from the District Production Department, Kotido produced over 15 tonnes of honey during the 2022/2023 financial year, with unprocessed honey fetching Shs 12,000 per kilogramme on the market, evidence of the sector’s potential.
As part of the district’s revival strategy, authorities are focused on strengthening apiary production as an alternative livelihood source.
Robert Kennedy Okuda, Kotido District Production Officer, expressed optimism about the industry’s future.
“With the right support, the beekeeping sector can thrive and offer a sustainable livelihood to many households,” he said. “We are planning to appoint a dedicated entomologist to address the technical challenges faced by farmers and to improve production practices. Reviving this industry can lead to improved incomes, better livelihoods, and overall economic growth.”
Benard Obin, the District Agricultural Officer, highlighted the environmental benefits of beekeeping.
“Beekeeping promotes environmental conservation. Bees play a critical role in pollination, which enhances biodiversity and agricultural productivity,” he explained. “It also provides a viable alternative to livestock farming, which has been disrupted by ongoing cattle raids.”
Obin further stressed the social impact of this shift:
“Many families have lost their livestock to raids and, in desperation, some individuals have resorted to raiding themselves to survive. By promoting honey production, we can offer them a more sustainable and legal source of income.”
Daniel Lochoro, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer [CAO] of Kotido District, believes the region’s high-quality honey gives it a competitive advantage.
“With proper management, the apiary industry can become a thriving economic sector. Honey is not only a natural sweetener but also has medicinal properties, and given the rising cost of sugar, there is an increasing demand for honey both locally and beyond,” he said.
Joshua Ngorok, a beekeeper from Kotido Municipality and a beneficiary of past district-led training programmes, welcomed the renewed focus.
“The district has taken too long to act on this, but I believe this is one of the best initiatives they’ve introduced,” Ngorok remarked. “With proper public sensitisation, many people would be attracted to the sector. Karamoja’s environment is highly suitable for beekeeping.”
District officials are optimistic that, with the appointment of a technical focal person and enhanced community training, the beekeeping industry could be successfully revived. They also stress that collaboration between farmers, government, and development partners will be essential to overcoming existing challenges.
Honey production in Kotido holds significant promise for improving livelihoods, promoting environmental sustainability, and reducing reliance on livestock farming. If well-managed, the sector could become a cornerstone of economic development in the wider Karamoja Subregion.
https://thecooperator.news/stray-dogs-kill-livestock-in-kikuube-district/
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