TOURISM IN BUGOMA FOREST COULD EARN UGANDA OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS
The Inclusive Green Economic Network-East Africa (IGEN-EA) has produced two research briefs detailing how bee-keeping and tourism are viable economic activities that can promote environmental conservation and reduce poverty in the Albertine region.
IGEN-EA, which is a network that brings together over 26 civil society and private sector groups working to promote green economic development, conducted research on the tourism and beekeeping opportunities within the Albertine region in Western Uganda.
The research took place between May and July 2022.
BEEKEEPING STUDY
First, IGEN-EA conducted the study, Enhancing women participation in apiculture for livelihoods and environmental conservation in the Albertine Graben. Women bee-keepers in the Kyakboga oil refinery resettlement were studied.
The research showed the following:
Uganda’s annual honey production potential is estimated at 500,000 tonnes. However, the country produces only 5,000 metric tonnes estimated at $2.5 billion. This is only 1% of the national annual production potential.
Further, the study established that in spite of the ecological conditions and floral diversity favouring beekeeping in the Albertine Graben, the region is unpopular for honey production. Notably, the graben is home to 14% of mainland Africa’s tree species, making it a good location for beekeeping. Trees provide forage (food) for bees.
The study also established that the women beekeepers’ income increased and domestic violence reduced in the households with women that are engaged in beekeeping.
To aid successful apiculture in the Albertine Graben, the study recommended the following: remove barriers such as lack of apiary tools; address low honey volumes by promoting improved technologies such as improved beehives; encourage bee-sensitive farming and agroforestry; and skill women beekeepers in entrepreneurship as well as hands-on apiculture through exposure and coaching.
BUGOMA FOREST’S TOURISM POTENTIAL
IGEN-EA also conducted research to determine the tourism potential of Bugoma forest. The study found that Bugoma forest is home to tourist attractions. The forest is home to 570 or 11.4% of Uganda’s chimpanzees, 225 bird species, bush elephants, butterflies and others.
The above, alongside forest walks, tree climbing and others, can be harnessed to promote tourism in the forest.
The study established that at the moment, habituation of chimpanzees and Uganda mangabeys is ongoing. The habituation of chimpanzees is expected to end in 2023, making the chimpanzees ready for tourism.
The study also established that if promoted, tourism in Bugoma forest could earn the country over half a million dollars a year. Notably, over 90% of tour operators that participated in the study are willing to sell tour experiences in Bugoma forest.
Among others, the research recommended that Bugoma forest be turned into a national park to promote tourism and promote environmental conservation. The forest is currently being destroyed for sugarcane growing. Yet it can be saved and income is earned through tourism.
The study also recommended that communities are skilled in tour guiding, crafts-making, beekeeping and others to harness the opportunities that would accrue if tourism is promoted in Bugoma forest.
You can download both the research briefs on beekeeping and the tourism potential of Bugoma forest HERE.