A fully functional prototype aimed at revolutionizing bee keeping in Uganda has been in the field since August 2024. We’re happy to report that The first stage of the field testing exercise has been completed. The prototype was deployed at a bee keeper’s backyard in Kawempe, one of the most vibrant suburbs in the capital city of Kampala. Since then, the project has collected invaluable data, shedding light on the potential of using IoT-enabled sensors to monitor and safeguard bee populations.

The Internet of Things (IoT) based hive, designed to provide real-time insights into hive health, has already begun to show promising results. With data collection starting in October 2024, the AdEMNEA Project funded PhD Student, Agatha Turyagyenda has been able to track vital indicators, such as bee health, swarming activities, and the presence of intruders or potential threats to the hive.

“We’ve made significant strides in developing reliable data that will help farmers improve the way they manage their bee colonies,” said the doctoral candidate. “This technology allows us to detect early signs of distress of bees within the hive, such as health problems or presence of external threats, which can be crucial for preventing abscondment of bees and enhancing honey productivity.”

Agatha also revealed that her next plan will be deploying a second prototype at the Nyakyessesa skills incubation centre makerere university in Wakiso District. This will include additional features, such as a battery pack and a solar panel for back-up power, ensuring it can operate independently off the grid in rural areas.

As the data analysis progresses, the team (Agatha and Project Interns, Robert Abaasa & Daniel Bwambale) will be working towards creating valuable insights that will not only help individual farmers but also provide alerts and warnings about the health of the bees and any unusual activities that could threaten their hives.

“This initiative isn’t just about technology, it’s about supporting local farmers with tools they can use to protect and enhance their livelihoods,” as revealed by AdEMNEA Project’s Researcher, Dr Roseline Akol. “Bee health is critical for crop pollination, and the data we’re collecting will help farmers optimize their practices and improve yields.”

Dr. Julianne Sansa Otim, the AdEMNEA project PI gladly reported that Bee Farmers across Uganda are eagerly awaiting the full rollout of the system, hoping it will provide them with a new way to ensure the sustainability of their farms. With the project’s promising potential to increase hive productivity and health, it could well be a turning point in the future of Apiculture in Uganda, where bees are an essential part of the ecosystem. The project regularly engages the farmers through the Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO) one of the collaborators.

“The ongoing data analysis informs new prototypes, which will soon be rolled out” explained Dr. Mary Nsabagwa one of the supervisos. These Project Outputs stand as a testament to the power of innovation in the Bee Keeping, and how the Internet of Things (IoT) can create lasting change for farmers on the ground.