The Kigaragara community, situated on the border of Murchison Falls National Park, was facing a significant challenge – one that came in the shape of an elephant!
For a long period of time, the community had been vulnerable to visiting elephants destroying their land and crops, as well as posing a threat to human life. With the issue damaging livelihoods, an innovative solution had to be found. Already working alongside the Kigaragara community, the Amigos team was keen to help address this problem.
The community was aware of an innovative solution that had been developed to stop elephants invading land. It was a solution that not only provided a safeguard for livelihoods but also mitigated against human–elephant conflicts. Beehive fences!
Research has found that elephants are afraid of African bees, and this keeps them from invading the land. Of course, a win-win result of this means that farmers experience an economic boost through pollination and the harvesting of honey too.
Back in March, carpentry and beekeeping trainees on Kira Farm began constructing 100 beehives to form part of a deterrent fence. This was installed in the community in April, with seven local Kira graduates able to actively support the work on the ground, sharing beekeeping expertise and crafting bee suits. Everyone – the Amigos team alongside Kira graduates and community members – helped to install the hives.
The fence has already made a significant difference since installation, with elephants no longer entering the land. The community has been really grateful for the project, with Amigos Extension Worker, Maureen Josephine, telling us:
“The community has appreciated Amigos so much for the idea of putting up fences. It has helped them that the elephants no longer enter the land and other activities are also peacefully done. They tell us that the idea of fencing has been the best option ever.”
The bee farmers are enjoying seeing progress with the hives themselves, with a total of 18 containing strong colonies. The Game Authority has allowed the community to chop down some tree branches, allowing the hives to receive more sunlight – they hope this will improve the colonisation further.
There have certainly been some challenges, with the presence of baboons posing problems – they jump on the hives and disturb them causing some bee colonies to leave before they were established. But the community has been monitoring the baboons’ activities and the apiaries at least twice a week. Thankfully, as more colonies were established, the tide has turned and the baboons are more afraid of the bees, leaving the hives more alone.
There is no doubt the community is determined to keep building on successes. Maureen tells us,
“The Kigaragara community are so passionate about beekeeping, though there has been challenges of black insects, and baboons, the community are working hard on the challenges and winning.”
Group members inspecting the hives
We look forward to hearing more in the future as the group continues to monitor and care for the hives, working alongside people and families to see the Kigaragara community prosper in all areas.