By Umar Nsubuga
Beekeeping, once seen as an activity reserved for rural areas with vast expanses of farmland, is now becoming an accessible and versatile venture that can thrive in nearly any location.
From rooftops in urban centres to small backyard spaces in suburban neighbourhoods, the adaptability of beekeeping has surprised many aspiring farmers.
Erieza Nsubuga, a seasoned beekeeper and trainer, and Jennifer Tumushabe, a successful bee farmer, explain the technical details and practical steps to make beekeeping a rewarding endeavour, no matter where you live.
Why beekeeping is possible anywhere
Bees are highly adaptable creatures, as long as their basic needs are met: access to food, water, and a safe place to live.
Nsubuga explains, “Bees don’t care about your location; what matters to them is whether they can find flowers for nectar, clean water to drink, and a secure environment for their hives.”
This means that even urban areas with flowering plants or suburban backyards with a few fruit trees can be ideal for beekeeping.
Tumushabe echoes this sentiment, adding that beekeeping is not just about honey production it’s also about pollination and environmental conservation.
“Keeping bees in any setting helps improve local biodiversity,” she says.
“Flowers bloom, crops thrive, and ecosystems benefit from their presence.”
What you need to start beekeeping anywhere
Both Nsubuga and Tumushabe emphasise that while bees are adaptable, proper preparation is crucial.
Here are their technical recommendations for starting a beekeeping project:
Choose the right hive type
The type of beehive you select can determine whether your venture succeeds in your specific location.
Langstroth hives: These are ideal for urban areas due to their compact design and ease of maintenance.
Top-Bar Hives: These work well in smaller spaces or for beginners who want a simpler setup.
Traditional log hives: Best suited for rural areas, these are cost-effective and culturally significant.
“Adapt the hive to the space you have,” advises Nsubuga.
“Urban beekeepers might opt for stackable hives, while rural farmers can use traditional models.”
Provide access to nectar and pollen sources
Bees need a consistent supply of flowers.
Tumushabe suggests planting flowering plants, vegetables, and herbs like lavender, sunflowers, and basil around the hives.
“Even urban rooftops can be transformed into bee-friendly spaces with potted plants,” she says.
Ensure a water source
A small container of water with floating corks or stones for bees to land on can suffice.
“Bees need water to regulate the hive’s temperature and dilute honey for feeding,” Nsubuga explains.
Maintain hive safety
Protect your hives from predators, extreme weather, and theft. Install a barrier or shelter, especially in exposed locations.
Tumushabe advises urban beekeepers to keep their hives on rooftops or enclosed balconies for added security.
Overcoming challenges
Beekeeping comes with its challenges, but these can be managed with the right knowledge and tools:
Managing space constraints
Urban beekeepers often worry about limited space.
“You don’t need a large yard,” says Tumushabe.
“Even a small corner with a single hive can produce remarkable results.”
Addressing neighbour concerns
In populated areas, neighbours might fear stings.
Nsubuga recommends education and open communication.
“Explain that bees are not aggressive unless provoked, and highlight the benefits they bring to the community,” he says.
Dealing with weather extremes
Tumushabe emphasises the need to shield hives from excessive heat or cold. Use shading structures or insulating materials to maintain stable hive conditions.
Benefits of beekeeping anywhere
Beekeeping offers both tangible and intangible benefits. Honey, wax, and propolis are valuable products, but the ecological impact of keeping bees cannot be overstated.
“Bees are responsible for pollinating about 70% of the crops we eat,” says Tumushabe.
“By keeping bees, you are contributing to food security and environmental health.”
Nsubuga highlights the profitability of beekeeping.
“Even with a single hive, you can harvest significant amounts of honey. It’s a low-maintenance venture with high returns,” he notes.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: A farmer setting up a hive. Photo by Umar Nsubuga
