In 1980 and 1981, after studying the African bees of Rwanda in the deep forest, in their own environment, Prof. Roch Domerego developed a hive that corresponded to their biotope. The result was a 17-fold increase in honey production. From 60 pilot hives in 4 apiaries around the village of Mbazi, an average of 34 kg per year per hive was harvested. Traditional hives made of straw or banana leaves, or even unsuitable modern hives such as the 10-frame langstroth type (copied from those used in Europe), produced an average of 2 kg to 5 kg per hive per year.
The announced quantities were much higher, but the actual, verified production averages were very low and corresponded to these values.

The quantity of production was an important factor, and certainly the first, but many other parameters proved extremely positive. Second, and by no means least, was the quality of the honey harvested. A clear, limpid, tasty honey that corresponded to international demand. It was very different from the honey found on local markets.

It also became apparent that changes in beekeeping criteria such as the time at which the hives are visited, an understanding of their biological functioning, their specific subspecies, their relationship with plants, the embossing of the waxes used and above all the harmony of their life inside the hive were essential. These highly differentiated elements have resulted in beekeeping that is gentle and in harmony with this native bee. A world away from the well-known clichés of the African bee, which some people find frightening.