Bee keeping is becoming an increasingly popular business in Sub-Saharan countries such as Uganda. With low initial investments it offers a multitude of positive returns in forms of revenue through the production of honey and its by-products including propolis, beeswax, and even the bees’ venom. Propolis treats a wide range of ailments, and also the venom is traditionally used for medicinal purposes. The beeswax is commonly processed into candles, cosmetics, and polishes. In addition to bees offering a multitude of revenue streams, bees also play an important role for ecosystems as pollinators, which in turn increases yields of crop production enhancing food security. As a result of the vast positive aspects of bee keeping, including low start-up investment, it has risen into the focus of becoming an attractive pathway out of poverty for the rural poor.
In order to establish an apiary, several decisions and acquisitions have to be made. It is important to select a suitable site for the beehives, taking into consideration that the bees find sufficient sustenance. For optimal colony development and hive yields, honeybees require a diverse and constant supply of protein (pollen) and carbohydrates (nectar). The kind of beehive needs to be selected, as there are several types for different production goals focusing, for instance, on the production of nectar or wax. Smokers, protective suits and gloves are another necessity, as Ugandan bees can be “really naughty” according to our partner Brian from Golden Bees. In addition to this, several labor costs incur during the initial installation of the apiary, through routine inspections for pest management and the monitoring of performance. During harvest, besides labor, storage equipment along with additional lighting may be required, since bees are routinely inspected at dusk in order to avoid triggering their defense behavior.
In cooperation with Golden Bees Ltd., our team was able to acquire knowledge about the bee keeping process and the addition to the honey value chain created from a business front-running the industry. With Golden Bees being an established producer of honey and creator of a leading brand “Bee Mine Honey” in the market, the business created deep rooted value and opportunities for communities predominantly in southern and south-western Uganda. Golden Bees operates in cooperation with numerous stakeholders producing honey, not only offering adequate equipment but also the necessary training for bee keepers to produce successfully, paving the road out of poverty for many.
SMART 2020 