Harnessing sensor technologies to improve beekeeping productivity in South Africa

THE QUESTION

Can IoT sensor technologies improve beekeeping productivity? 

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LOCATION: South Africa
SECTOR: Agriculture
TECH: IoT
TIMELINE: September 2022 - Present
PIONEER: Loice Alusala
PARTNERS: Crop Health and Protection (CHAP)

The Challenge

Horticulture is an important revenue-generating activity in South Africa, providing approximately 28% of gross revenue from agricultural production. To maximise productivity, many orchards rely on using mobile apiaries to provide vital pollination services which boosts crop yield and quality. Beekeeping contributed $16B (ZAR) to the South African economy in 2016 and provided 180,000 jobs. However, beekeeper numbers are declining due to retirement and the sector is failing to attract new entrants due to poor training infrastructure, government support and access to capital to begin a commercial beekeeping operation. Suboptimal pollination now presents a major threat to food production and lucrative international fruit exports.

The Idea

This pilot will utilise existing beehive monitoring software by AgriSound which combines environmental sensors with novel sound analysis, and adapt its application for South African beekeeping. Additionally, this pilot will incorporate novel elements, including responsive, user-led training and bioacoustic algorithms for enhanced decision-making. When coupled with predictive algorithms, IoT technology can generate significant returns to prevent losses and/or maximise farm performance. Outcomes from the project may support the development of a lower-cost system targeted for African smallholder beekeepers and digital training platform which will increase beekeeping businesses to start and scale to increase rural productivity.

Read the findings in the pilot report

All photos on this page were taken by the pilot’s implementing partner, Crop Health and Protection (CHAP).

Blog posts from the pilot team

Read about the pilot’s deployment of AgriSound sensors in the KwaZulu Natal province on CHAP’s website— “Buzzworthy success: first phase of international project paves the way for future of beekeeping in South Africa”