New dawn: Gulu widow discovers golden profits in apiculture
Her story is a beacon for many women in Northern Uganda, proving that with the right training and resources, they can overcome poverty and redefine their future
GULU, May 28, 2025 — In the quiet village of Bemonya, Te-Atto-Hill Parish, Paicho Sub-county in Gulu district, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. A widow and mother of six, Shara Aryemo , 49, has turned to apiculture [bee farming] and discovered golden profits where hardship once lived.
For years, Aryemo cultivated maize, beans, and vegetables on a small plot, struggling to support her family. Like many women in rural Uganda, she faced limited access to financial resources, poor market access, and traditional gender norms that hindered her economic potential.
“I always dreamed of expanding my farm,” said Aryemo. “But I lacked the capital and knowledge to move beyond subsistence.”
Her turning point came when she learned of a training programme by Every Child Ministries Uganda [ECM], a nongovernmental oragnisation supporting small-scale farmers in the country. The programme provided skills, resources, and startup funding to encourage apiculture at the grassroots level.
Although beekeeping is traditionally seen as a male occupation in Acholi culture, Aryemo defied societal expectations. Initially skeptical, she embraced the idea after receiving training in bee management and income diversification.
“Women were encouraged to participate because we are central to family and local economies. I knew I had to try,” she said.
Faced with deforestation and a dwindling supply of flowering trees essential for bee foraging, Aryemo began intercropping her farm with coffee and bananas. These crops not only support apiculture but also add an additional stream of income.
“I appeal to the Government to support me with 500 coffee seedlings, 100 banana suckers, and 30 beehives. For two years, I’ve struggled to access PDM funds. Local leaders have failed to support us,” she shared.
Aryemo now leads a cooperative of 200 women farmers. With 30 beehives, she expects to harvest up to 100 kilogrammes of honey in the next season, potentially tripling her income. A kilogram of honey sells for between Shs 18,000–20,000, with harvests occurring up to three times a year.
These profits have transformed Aryemo’s life. Her children now attend school, and she’s been able to invest in better healthcare, which improved her own condition after years of battling ulcers. She has even started a small shop selling local goods.
Beyond finances, Aryemo and other women in her cooperative have gained leadership skills and a voice in community decision-making. The programme offers training in budgeting, financial literacy, and community organisation, empowering women to take charge of their futures.
“Beekeeping doesn’t take much time and allows women to balance other responsibilities. I urge more women to join us,” Aryemo added.
Government and NGO support
According to Tonny Nyamchika Ocean, programme coordinator at ECM, the NGO has conducted four training sessions in Paicho Sub-county, reaching over 55 small-scale farmers, mostly women. Plans are underway to construct demonstration farms and promote coffee planting to enhance honey production.
“Honey from coffee flowers has medicinal properties and is highly marketable globally,” said Nyamchika. ECM plans to train 500 farmers across the Acholi sub-region in apiculture.
Meanwhile, the Operation Wealth Creation [OWC] programme has committed Shs 5.5 billion for coffee seedling distribution in Northern Uganda. According to Director Sylvia Owori Damele, over 10,000 farmers will be registered, and 20 million seedlings distributed.
“We’re targeting intercropping: 500 coffee trees and 100 bananas with beekeeping can earn a farmer up to Shs 30 million annually,” Owori noted.
Gulu district’s apiculture landscape
Alphonse Acaye Alphonse, Gulu district’s Senior Entomologist, reports that over 800 local farmers, 450 men and 350 women, are engaged in apiculture, with more joining each year. The district currently manages 8,682 beehives, including 3,302 improved hives, producing around 58.4 tonnes of honey annually and earning Shs 583.6 million.
“There’s also untapped potential in bee by-products like wax, propolis, and bee venom. A gram of bee venom can fetch up to Shs 60,000, and processed propolis sells for Shs 5,000 per 20ml,” Acaye stated.
He urged farmers to plant perennial crops like coffee, cocoa, avocado, and bananas to create sustainable flowering environments for bees and reduce dependence on pesticides, which are harmful to bee populations.
According to the Federation of Indigenous Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurs Association [FIITEA], Uganda can earn between Shs 5 trillion annually from honey if production is optimised. Studies by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology estimate the country could produce 325–870 tonnes of propolis annually.
Aryemo’s journey from subsistence farmer to successful beekeeper exemplifies the power of opportunity and community support. Her story is a beacon for many women in Northern Uganda, proving that with the right training and resources, they can overcome poverty and redefine their future.
“Beekeeping gave me more than just income. It gave me dignity,” Aryemo said, watching her children play in the golden light of her thriving farm.
https://thecooperator.news/young-bee-farmers-form-cooperative-to-boost-honey-business/
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