Eastern Province Beekeepers Hope for Brighter Future Amid Concerted Efforts to Restore Ecosystems through TREPA Project

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

Kigali, Rwanda — In the lush landscapes of Rwanda’s Eastern Province, beekeepers and farmers are experiencing a glimmer of hope after years of decline caused by increasing pesticide use and environmental degradation. Their optimism is rooted in recent initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing climate resilience, notably through the ongoing TREPA (Transforming Eastern Province through Adaptation) project, implemented by a consortium of partners including  International organizations such as IUCN and CIFOR-ICRAF.

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A Resurgence of Beekeeping and Ecosystem Restoration

For many local beekeepers, the return of bees and the promise of higher honey yields signal a positive shift. Jean Damascene Ntaganda, a seasoned beekeeper from Gatunda Sector in Nyagatare District, attended the 18th National Agriculture and Livestock Exhibition in Kigali with cautious optimism. He recounts how pesticide overuse in crops like maize and tomatoes led to widespread bee mortality, decimating their populations and livelihoods.

“Beekeeping had declined due to pesticide use in agriculture, which was killing bees,” Ntaganda explains. “But now, bees are coming back, and this year we expect a lot of quality honey.”

He attributes this resurgence partly to the forest restoration initiatives under TREPA, which involve planting indigenous and fruit trees, as well as flowering plants vital for bee feeding. These efforts, coupled with agroforestry practices, have created a more hospitable environment for pollinators, providing them with abundant nectar sources.

Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods through Tree Planting and Agroforestry

In Kigina Sector, Kirehe District, Séraphine Mukankuranga heads a cooperative that has benefited from TREPA’s support. She highlights how tree planting initiatives—aimed at combating desertification—have opened new avenues for beekeeping. While some trees are still maturing, the flowering fruit trees planted in collaboration with project partners are already providing nectar.

“Through our cooperative, TREPA supported us with tree planting so we could have areas suitable for beekeeping,” Mukankuranga states. “The trees are rich in bee-friendly flowers, and even before they fully mature, the bees are feeding on the blooms. This boosts our confidence that honey production will increase.”

Her cooperative manages 634 traditional and 412 modern hives, with an estimated annual honey production of two tons. The honey is sold at around 9,000 Rwandan Francs per kilogram, contributing to household income while emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.

Challenges—Especially Harmful Pesticides—Remain

Despite the progress, farmers and beekeepers still face significant hurdles. Pesticide use remains a major threat, with reports of bees dying after farmers spray chemicals on crops. Mukankuranga and others have called on authorities to support the adoption of safer pesticide alternatives and promote best practices, such as spraying after sunset when bees are less active.

During a recent national stakeholder workshop organized by the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), experts emphasized the need for integrated approaches. Dr. Fabrice Ndayisenga, Head of Animal Resources Research and Technology Transfer at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, stressed that intensified maize farming has led to increased pesticide use, adversely affecting bee health.

Integrating Climate and Agriculture Policies for Sustainable Beekeeping

Efforts are underway to address these challenges. The government is encouraging farmers to spray pesticides at times less harmful to bees and is working to professionalize beekeeping, including providing access to protected forests for hive placement. Emmanuel Hategekimana, representing Ikirezi Natural Products—a company specializing in plant-based oils and cosmetics derived from trees—appreciates the support from IUCN that enables stakeholder participation at exhibitions and in conservation activities.

“During this exhibition, IUCN supported us with stand fees, food, accommodation, and transportation,” Hategekimana notes. “Our products, like geranium, patchouli, lemongrass, and eucalyptus oils, all come from trees that are crucial to maintaining a healthy environment and a thriving ecosystem for bees.”

Uwamariya Basirice, a beneficiary of the TREPA Project and President of the KAKIRA Cooperative in Kirehe District, which produces craft decorations made from trees, said they are confident that in the future they will not run out of trees to make their crafts, mainly thanks to forest planting and conservation activities supported by the TREPA project. She mentioned, “Currently, we struggle to buy wood for making our items, but we believe that the trees planted will reduce that burden for us.”

She added that being supported to participate in the Agricultural Exhibition is very beneficial because it helps to promote their activities, not only within the Kirehe area but also to other regions.

Looking Ahead: A Hopeful Path to Resilience

The TREPA project’s holistic approach—restoring degraded landscapes, supporting sustainable livelihoods, promoting agroforestry, and fostering community engagement—is fostering tangible changes in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. Beekeepers, farmers, and environmental organizations are increasingly recognizing that safeguarding pollinators is not only essential for honey production but also for the broader health of ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

As Rwanda continues to adapt to climate change and environmental challenges, coordinated efforts between government agencies, international partners, and local communities will be vital in ensuring sustainable development. The hopeful resurgence of bee populations and the expanding green landscapes demonstrate that, with collective action, resilient and productive landscapes are achievable—benefiting both people and nature alike.

Chili products are also being produced by Farmers in the Eastern Province

Honey produced by Cooperatives in the TREPA project zone

People visiting the IUCN stand in the Agriculture Exhibition at Mulindi/Kigali

They were eager to learn about the indigenous trees that are being reintroduced in the Eastern Province