Bees for Development and TUNADO: An ongoing partnership

Bees for Development (BfD) is an international charity promoting beekeeping for sustainable livelihoods and increased biodiversity. BfD and TUNADO have a long history together. Dr. Nicola Bradbear, the current CEO of Bees for Development, was involved in the formation of TUNADO in the early 2000s. Over the years, BfD and TUNADO have worked together to support beekeepers across Uganda and to share knowledge of the best beekeeping practices.

I had the opportunity to see the important work TUNADO is doing for beekeepers, as well as the impact of BfD supported projects. I recently joined the BfD UK team and monitor our projects with TUNADO. Over several weeks in February, I visited women beekeepers in Adjumani, persons with disabilities in Adjumani, Gulu, and Jinja, and the Batwa in Kisoro. It was also an opportunity to see the effectiveness of TUNADO’s bee champion model and value chain development.

Bee champion model

Organisations often focus on training and equipment for new beekeepers but fail to provide a market. It is impressive to see the immediate benefit for beekeepers through the TUNADO bee champion and RTC model. As well, a well-trained bee champion provides essential support for beekeepers. Looking back on my own beekeeping experience, I was successful because of mentorship and support from other experienced beekeepers. I also had a direct link to a honey buyer. I believe organizations involved in beekeeping extension in Uganda and other countries should learn from the TUNADO model.

The model also fosters collaboration between beekeepers which is important for building the beekeeping industry. Beekeepers should work together and share knowledge for the benefit of the industry. A strong Ugandan beekeeping industry will benefit all.

It is impressive to see the immediate benefit for beekeepers through the TUNADO bee champion and RTC model. As well, a well-trained bee champion provides essential support for beekeepers. Looking back on my own beekeeping experience, I was successful because of mentorship and support from other experienced beekeepers.

Supporting persons with disabilities

I will also share a few experiences from the BfD and TUNADO work with persons with disabilities. There were many stories showing the power of beekeeping to transform lives and strengthen communities. Nyapolo and Jacob live in the Guru Guru sub-county of Gulu. Both have a physical disability and require a hand powered bicycle to travel. In September 2023, they were trained in beekeeping by TUNADO in partnership with BfD. Training included weaving bee hives, siting and baiting bee hives, and honey harvesting and processing. They now have 13 honey bee colonies and made their first harvest from one colony this week. While a small harvest, they are expecting to harvest more in March. They were excited to share their first taste of honey with the staff from TUNADO. It was delicious honey. Nyapolo said,

           “I am very happy the program came. I have learnt so much about beekeeping.”

Francis, aged 26, is visually impaired. He received beekeeping training from TUNADO and now has six honey bee colonies providing honey and propolis.  However, producing propolis tincture is his main business. He collects propolis from his own honey bees and buys propolis from other beekeepers. After processing into a tincture, he sells to the local community. Propolis demand is strong in the community and brings in UGX 60,000 – 90,000 a month. He invested the money into two goats and growing more crops. He stated,

“beekeeping has improved my life. Before I had to wait for people to help, but now I can do it on my own.”

I would like to encourage TUNADO members and leadership to continue their disability inclusion work. It is important to recognize and use methods which allow persons with disabilities to access to beekeeping opportunities, either as members or non-members supported through extension work.

William Van Blyderveen

Project Manager Bees for Development UK

williamvanblyderveen@beesfordevelopment.org

www.beesfordevelopment.org