Beyond Economics: Evaluating Social and Environmental Impacts of New Apicultural Technology in Rwanda

Apiculture development in Africa has primarily been led by NGOs promoting supplemental income alongside crop and livestock farming. Often, little attention is given to production technology (e.g., beehive types), market dynamics (trends, consumer behavior, industry demands), and environmental factors. Innovations in agriculture provide various forms of value beyond economics, including social, cultural, political, environmental, and moral benefits. This study uses diffusion of innovation theory to examine a new social enterprise-led apicultural training model focused on conserving native bees, promoting biodiversity, and creating sustainable job opportunities for women and youth in Rwanda. The agricultural innovation is evaluated using technology attributes such as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Findings from this study aim to inform policymakers about the social, cultural, and environmental implications of the innovation.