Who doesn’t like sweets? But too much sweets are bad for our health. Did you know which sweet is not bad for our health? That is a natural sweet known as Honey. And this honey is produced in the bee hives. As for its importance, humans made artificial hives for bees to produce more honey. Which is called beekeeping or apiculture. It’s a scientific method of raising honey bees.

In search of these natural sweets, we reached an East African country Uganda. The country isn’t new in this sector. Beekeeping is deeply rooted in traditional farming methods. But has gained more scientific and economic interest over recent years.

Let us dive into the buzz story of Uganda, and how they are making economic growth with this unique farming.

Traditional Meets Modern: Ugandan farmers use bamboo hives, but modern techniques like Langstroth hives are improving honey production.

Success Stories: Entrepreneurs like Adolph Bagonza and Sandra Ejang Elobu make millions by expanding honey production and value-added products.

Profitable Investment: Uganda produces up to 200,000 metric tons of honey yearly, with strong demand in Europe and low startup costs.

Sustainable and Impactful: Beekeeping supports nature, creates jobs, and offers a long-term, rewarding business opportunity.

In rural Uganda, traditional beekeeping is close to the culture of the communities. Beekeepers often use materials like bamboo and tree bark to construct cylindrical hives. Which are then strategically placed in protected areas like forest edges. In Uganda, bamboo hives are widely used. The hives are made using fresh bamboo which is easily split and woven to create strong yet light hives. 

These traditional hives are cost-effective and environment-friendly. But these have limitations in terms of honey production and harvesting. The traditional method involves huge effort and a good relationship with nature. where bees need to bring in around 75,000 loads of nectar to produce just one pound of honey.

Figure: A simple bee hive made with bamboo and trunk

However, a wind of change flowing through the fields. Thanks to a growing awareness of the benefits of beekeeping. There has been a gradual shift towards more modern practices. On the modern front, projects like “Bee A Champion 2”. Which is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD). Also been implemented by organizations including TUNADO(The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organization). 

They have introduced advanced beekeeping techniques to the region. Organizations both within Uganda and from abroad are introducing Kenyan top bar and Langstroth hives. Which allows for easier honey extraction and management of bee health. These innovations are increasing honey production. Also ensuring beekeeping as a profitable business.

Figure: Modern beekeeping in Uganda

Beekeeping has proven to be an important tool for poverty reducing. Helping to diversify income sources beyond traditional agriculture. For instance, projects like “Bee A Champion 2” and “MORE Honey” have increased honey production. Also brought about significant improvements in the livelihoods of beekeeping communities. By providing training in beekeeping they help with honey and other bee products.​

USAID’s RWANU project in northeastern Uganda has trained villagers to produce high-quality honey. Which has created jobs and increased incomes. They can now buy healthy foods and invest in other small businesses​. In regions like Adjumani and Lamwo, beekeeping has helped farmers to save money. They also have access to loans and invest in further expanding their beekeeping ventures​.

Figure: Empowering women through bee projects

Bee a Champion 2: is a 3 year (2022- 2024) beekeeping project in Uganda funded by the Norwegian agency for development (NORAD).  BAC2 comes as a build up to the successful implementation of Bee a champion 1. BAC1 include rural transformation center model of beekeeping in Karamoja, West Nile and Mid-West. The model has been widely appreciated by both governments. Specifically, Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries-(MAAIF). As a result, MAAIF used it as a base to develop a 10-year strategy for apiculture in Uganda.

MORE-HONEY promoted the development of a fair honey value in Northern Uganda. Targeted Karamoja and Acholi Region one of the poorest regions of Uganda. The project contributed by increasing incomes for 2,000 smallholder farmers including 200 refugees who benefited from increased skills and access to reliable and profitable markets. By the end of the project, a total of 890 FTE jobs were created in the honey value chain mainly for youth and women. Smallholder farmers’ income increased to UGX 847,145 from UGX 33,621 at the baseline. The More Honey Project has helped participating farmers by providing them with a reliable source of income.

The story of Adolph Bagonza’s from Uganda is an example of how beekeeping can transform lives and communities. Bagonza started organizing local beekeepers back in 1991. With support from the UNDP and private sector partners, his group was able to expand. They grew from 21 groups to 44. Which boosted membership to 640 in the Rwenzori region.

He didn’t stop with just producing honey. He explored value-added products like bee venom and honey wine. That increased his income a lot. Bagonza mentions that he made 10.5 million Ugandan shillings from bee venom and wasp venom alone in a single month. This success has enabled him to provide for his family. That ensured all his children received education and built a comfortable home.

Source: UNDP Uganda

Figure: Adolph Bagonza beekeeping entrepreneur

In another story, 

In an interview with African News woman entrepreneur Sandra Ejang Elobu shared her experience. She is the co-founder of Western Silk Road Limited. She has two brands: Asaliwa Moyo, which is her honey brand. And Hazard Naturals, a honey-based cosmetics brand.

Western Silk Road works with rural households all over the country to boost their incomes through investment in entire beekeeping. She invests in the entire beekeeping value chain. Because of the number of products that come out of that chain, she had to incorporate a lot of things into this. For example, she has spices, and with these spices, she also makes honey infused with spices. The spiced honey comes with more health benefits that are good for the body.

Her company also provides these farmers with microfinance in the form of hives. These hives are paid back with a percentage of the harvest, which is 30 percent. The remaining 70 percent is paid to them in cash for continuity.

Figure: Sandra Ejang Elobu with her products of Western Silk Road Limited

Her company is trying to reduce poverty and boost the production of honey in Uganda. Her model is different in that she register these households as CBOs so that they are more organized.

In the interview, she said “We have the higher-end customers, we have the lower-end customers, we’re looking at hotels and restaurants; we basically have everybody covered in honey.”

Beekeepers like Jang say the business has massive exploration potential. Which is why she’s expanding. She’s no longer just offering honey for sale but also producing products like beeswax medicines and honey-based beauty products. While there is a unique array of products, fulfilling the demand has kept her as busy as a bee.

The European markets do have a demand for Ugandan honey. Uganda produces 100,000 – 200,000 metric tons of honey per year. With the potential for growth to meet domestic and international demands. An investment in 50 – 500 beehives produces 420 – 2100 litres of honey per year.

Honey is known for its long shelf life. Archaeologists have discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still edible. The natural antibacterial properties and low water content of honey prevent it from spoiling. Which makes it a timeless sweet treat. So there is a very slim chance that your investment in this product will be wasted.

Also Starting a beekeeping operation in Uganda requires relatively low initial investments compared to other agricultural activities. With options to use locally sourced materials for hives and minimal requirements for maintenance. The overhead costs remain low while the profit potential is High. Especially given the high market demand for bee products like honey and beeswax. So if you consider investing in beekeeping you won’t surely regret it!

The history of beekeeping is an example of humanity’s close relationship with bees. From ancient civilizations to modern times, bees have played a crucial role in our lives. Providing honey, beeswax, and essential pollination services we cant thank them enough.

Beekeeping in Uganda is more than just a business; it’s a gateway to economic development. This venture offers a sweet spot for investors. Low initial costs, huge support from community programs, and a thriving market hungry for natural products. Each hive not only promises returns but also provides economic empowerment and ecological balance. This is an investment where profitability meets purpose. Dive into beekeeping in Uganda, and be part of a story that’s about more than just profit, it’s about making a positive impact on the world.