Centenary Bank, NGO collaborate to restore degraded land in Mbale
The initiative seeks to address the twin challenges of environmental degradation and rural poverty by integrating tree planting, coffee farming and beekeeping
MBALE, January 2, 2026 — Centenary Bank, in partnership with the non-governmental organisation Bees & Trees Uganda, has launched the Coffee Agroforestry for Environment and Livelihood Enhancement Initiative, aimed at restoring degraded land, promoting environmental conservation, improving rural livelihoods and strengthening financial inclusion in Mbale district.
The initiative seeks to address the twin challenges of environmental degradation and rural poverty by integrating tree planting, coffee farming and beekeeping. This approach offers a sustainable pathway to land restoration while creating new income opportunities for rural households.
The project was officially launched recently in Wokukiri Village, Mbale district, bringing together farmers, women’s groups, youth leaders, local government officials and Centenary Bank staff. Activities under the initiative include tree planting, financial literacy training, and hands-on instruction in coffee agroforestry and sustainable beekeeping.
As part of its contribution, Centenary Bank has so far provided Shs 27 million to support the planting of more than 6,000 coffee seedlings and 3,000 indigenous trees in Wokukiri Village. In addition, the bank has distributed 80 modern Kenya Top Bar [KTB] beehives to organised youth and women’s groups.
Beneficiaries have received not only seedlings and beehives, but also practical training in coffee agroforestry, sustainable beekeeping and basic financial management. The training is intended to equip participants with the skills needed to manage natural resources effectively while building viable income-generating activities.
Farmers in Wokukiri Village, like many across Uganda, rely heavily on smallholder agriculture. Mbale district, known for its hilly terrain and long-standing coffee-growing heritage, has experienced significant land degradation in recent years due to unsustainable farming practices and population pressure.
By integrating coffee, trees and bees into their farming systems, the initiative offers farmers an opportunity to restore soil health while securing diversified and more reliable incomes. Coffee provides a steady cash crop, trees improve soil fertility and local microclimates, and bees enhance pollination while producing honey for sale.
https://thecooperator.news/mbale-extension-workers-blamed-over-poor-pdm-implementation/
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