Help 65 poor women to start Beekeeping in Uganda

Overview of the report

During this period especially between April to May, the Beekeeping project has faced challenges which impacted the population of bees in hives of our smallholder farmers. The hives were most affected by the heavy rain storm that hit the them and insects that chased bees from the hives. Out of the 7 hives, 5 hives were absconded between those months. However, in June 4 of the 5 hives repopulated and stabilized. We are optimistic that the empty hive will recolonize soon.

Harsh weather conditions

During this rainy season we experienced series of very heavy rain storm that hit the hives, damaged the stands which made hive fell down. Falling of hives chased bees out of 2 hives.

Insects  

3 of our smallholders were attacked by black ants and termites from neighbouring gardens and forests. Black ants, reddish brown ants and termites infested the hives and destroyed the colonies of bees.  Termites too can be very damaging to beehives. The insects disrupted the beehives, leading to colony losses.

Addressing the challenges

Farmers protected hive stands with oil to prevent insects to climb to the hives and also prevent them from damaging the stands. Also advised farmers to use hanging wires can prevent ants and termites from accessing the colonies.

We have done regular monitoring of the active hives showed they remain in good condition.

Supported farmers to ensure that hives are repopulated with bees and stabilized.

Continued cautioning of smallholder farmers to use organic methods for pest control  to prevent further issues.

In the next period, we plan to seek to expert knowledge from district Entomologists to train smallholder farmers in proper apiary management.

We will continue  working towards addressing challenges to ensure the initative reaches its full impact.