Hoima – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, has urged Ugandan farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, emphasizing apiculture (bee keeping) and aquaculture as sustainable solutions for food security and environmental conservation.
Speaking during the handover of 60 bee hives to farmers in Hoima District, Dr. Barirega stressed that pollinators like bees are critical for agricultural productivity. "There is no meaningful agriculture without pollination," he said, warning against the excessive use of agrochemicals that threaten bee populations.
Shift from chemical pesticides to protect pollinators and ensure long-term farm productivity.
Promote bee conservation to enhance natural pollination, boosting crop yields.
Adopt sustainable practices like apiculture and aquaculture to optimise resource use for future generations.
The Hoima District Local Government fully funded the distribution, providing each beneficiary with five bee hives (worth Shs 150,000 each).
Hoima District Chairperson, Uthuman Mugisa, encouraged farmers to leverage the growing demand for honey and beeswax, which is used in candle production. "Beekeeping is a viable solution to poverty," he said.
Perez Kyomuhangi, Hoima District Entomologist, echoed the call, noting that bee products have a ready market, offering farmers a reliable income stream.
Beneficiaries praised the initiative, stating that beekeeping will improve household incomes. "This is a big step toward financial independence," one farmer remarked.
Dr. Barirega highlighted that agrochemical overuse worldwide has decimated bee populations, threatening food systems. He urged Uganda to lead in reversing this trend through sustainable farming.
The event underscores NEMA’s push for eco-friendly agriculture as climate change and biodiversity loss intensify.
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