The Rise of Modern Beekeeping in Rwanda
Modern beehives, such as the Langstroth and the Kenyan Top Bar hives, are revolutionizing beekeeping practices in Rwanda, especially among women. These advanced designs offer significant advantages over traditional log hives, which are often difficult to manage and require placing hives high in trees. In contrast, modern hives sit on stands, making them easier to access and allowing beekeepers to harvest honey without damaging the hive or harming the bees.
The Langstroth hive, originally developed in the United States, features wooden frames that bees fill with honey. These frames can be removed and reused season after season, making it a sustainable option for beekeepers. On the other hand, the Kenyan Top Bar hive has a sloped design that is simple to construct and well-suited for small-scale farmers. According to the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), a single modern hive can produce up to 60 kilograms of honey annually, far exceeding the 5 to 10 kilograms typically obtained from traditional hives.
This transition to modern techniques is not only increasing honey production but also attracting more women into beekeeping. Improved tools, training, and support from NGOs and government programs have played a crucial role in this shift.
A Woman's Journey into Beekeeping
One inspiring example is Umy Uwimana, a young Rwandan entrepreneur and founder of 3N Farms, a honey production business launched in 2020. Uwimana’s journey into beekeeping began through a personal connection with an elderly honey producer she used to buy from. This individual encouraged her to take over the work, sparking her interest in the craft.
Initially, Uwimana was just buying and selling honey. However, as the elderly producer taught her about the intricacies of beekeeping—how bees make honey and how to care for them—she became deeply passionate about the practice. Her first batch of honey came from just one jerrycan, which she sold to a neighbor running a small shop. Customer feedback helped shape her decision to officially launch her business later that year.
As her ambitions grew, so did her understanding of the limitations of traditional beekeeping. She eventually shifted to modern beehives, which transformed her operations. “The modern hives changed everything,” she explained. “They produce more honey in a shorter time, and you don’t destroy the hive during harvest. With traditional ones, everything was mixed: honey, wax, even water sometimes. It was messy and wasteful.”
Uwimana now manages 100 modern beehives, primarily Langstroth hives, and collaborates with smallholder beekeepers in Ngororero and Gatsibo districts to supplement her supply. Each of her hives can produce up to 60 kilograms per season.
Women and Beekeeping: A Growing Movement
Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), highlights that many women are joining beekeeping through cooperative groups. These groups provide opportunities for learning technical skills, sharing equipment, and marketing honey collectively. “These cooperatives help women build confidence, improve leadership, and take part in financial decision-making at home and in the community. Beekeeping also gives them an independent source of income,” she said.
Beekeeping requires minimal land and time, making it an ideal livelihood choice for women who also manage farming or childcare duties. Modern hives can be placed near homes, gardens, or forest edges, offering practicality and flexibility.
Uwituze also notes that many women are drawn to the environmental benefits of beekeeping, such as improved pollination for nearby crops and forest conservation. It is a climate-smart, low-impact activity that supports both livelihoods and the environment.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. Emilienne Mukasine, a member of a women’s beekeeping cooperative, began her journey in 2012 but only shifted to modern beehives recently after receiving training and support. While the switch brought better knowledge and yields, she points out persistent issues like pesticides and climate change. “When it rains heavily, we can’t harvest, and pesticides also harm our bees,” she said.
Uwituze acknowledges these challenges but adds that training on safe farming practices and better hive placement is helping reduce bee losses. Modern beekeeping has become an important source of income for women due to its low startup costs and high-value products like honey, beeswax, and propolis.
With support from NGOs and cooperatives, many women are now using modern hives, which produce more honey than traditional ones. This movement not only empowers women economically but also contributes to sustainable development and environmental conservation.