Honey production drops in Gulu due to human activities
In 2019/2020, 72,740 tonnes of honey were produced in Gulu district. Production however dropped to 58,360 tonnes of honey in 2023/2024
GULU, October 13, 2025 — Honey production has dropped in Gulu district, according to statistics from the District Entomology Department.
In 2019/2020, 72,740 tonnes of honey were produced in Gulu district. Production however dropped to 58,360 tonnes of honey in 2023/2024.
Alfonse Acaye, the Gulu District Entomology Officer says, “If we continue with this trend then we are completely losing our honey production.”
Acaye attributes the drop in honey production to human activities, especially the massive felling of trees for charcoal burning
“The cutting of trees for charcoal has highly reduced the bee population in the district. In the past, it was easy for bees to colonise bee hives but this is not the case today. The level of bee hive colonization was at above 80 percent but now we are realizing only 50 percent of hives being colonised,” Acaye explains.
Acaye explained that the massive cutting down of trees for charcoal production greatly reduced bee forages and in turn reduced the bee population.
Bee forage refers to the food sources that bees collect, primarily nectar and pollen from flowering plants, which are essential for their survival and the health of their colonies.
Experts advise that beekeepers can enhance bee forage by planting a diverse range of flowering plants that bloom at different times, ensuring a steady supply of food for the bees.
“The bee forage is being affected seriously especially during the dry season. It’s a bit easier for the bees during wet season because of the seasonal crops farmers plant but during dry season, the bees work so hard to get forage,” Acaye explained.
Joyce Akidi, the chairperson of Mon Aye Guti Cooperative Society Limited which is translated as ‘women are the foundation’ says that about five years ago, they would harvest 2,000 litres of honey every season.
Akidi however says that production has dropped to about 150 litres of honey in a season.
“Bee farming is frustrating us at the moment. We did not harvest much in the first season. But we are hopeful that we will have a good harvest in the second season because I see the hives are colonised,” Akidi said.
Mon Aye Guti cooperative society which is based in Palaro Subcounty in Gulu district has now embarked on planting fruit trees to boost bee forage.
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