The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), through its Mt. Elgon Conservation Project, has commenced a monitoring exercise to assess the progress of community-based environmental restoration interventions, beginning with the Maendeleo Women Group in Kapyorot Village, Chepkurawar Parish, Suam Sub-county, Bukwo District.
The monitoring team, comprising NEMA’s Project Management Unit, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, district officials and community members, assessed the group’s agroforestry and beekeeping activities supported under the project. The monitoring started Monday 13th July.
Maendeleo Women Group received 40 modern beehives, apiary management training, indigenous and fruit tree seedlings, 15 honey harvesting suits and five smokers.
The monitoring team found that all the beehives have been successfully colonised, reflecting the effectiveness of the project’s technical support. Members reported improved skills in beekeeping and sustainable land management, noting that the planted trees are restoring the environment, reducing pressure on the adjacent protected area and creating livelihood opportunities.
The group, however, cited theft of honey and tree seedlings, destruction of seedlings by free-ranging livestock and
insecurity as key challenges.
The team concluded that the intervention is delivering positive environmental and livelihood outcomes.
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It recommended continued technical support, strengthened community sensitisation to protect project investments, provision of the required harvesting equipment, and improved security measures to safeguard the apiary.
According to Naome Karenkaho the head of communications at NEMA, through the Mt. Elgon Conservation Project, NEMA remains committed to promoting ecosystem restoration while improving household incomes through sustainable community livelihoods.
