In June 2009, SLINT-Uganda, in collaboration with other partners, embarked on a project entitled "Gayaza Smallholder Beekeeping project", which aims at assisting at least 50 farmers households in Butikiro and Kiyuni villages in Kiboga district of Uganda to engage in market-oriented beekeeping in order to overcome poverty and improve their livelihoods without compromising the environment. So far 30 langstroth beehives, one bee suit and a smoker have been provided to farmers. One training workshop in basic beekeeping skills has been organised.
Problem statement
Despite its high potential as an income-generating activity, beekeeping in the area is a predominantly low-key activity due to lack of access to modern technologies, equipment,know-how and information. Most people use traditional log beehives and rudimentary honey harvesting methods, destructing colonies. This has led to decline in number of wild bee colonies and to destruction of forest and other natural resources.
SLINT-Uganda is proposing this project in order to empower farmers in Butikiro and Kiyuni villages to overcome some of the above-mentioned limitations and enable them effectively engage in beekeeping as a viable economic activity and key sustainable livelihoods strategy. It seeks initially to assist 50 farmers to acquire a total of 100 langstroth beehives to be placed in two community apiaries and to procure honey harvesting equipment (including 2 bee suits, 2 smokers and 1 honey extractors). It will also organise at least 2 workshops to train farmers in appropriate beekeeping skills and honey processing techniques. It will also mobilise farmers to form two beekeepers’ groups for better management of apiaries, marketing of honey and other apiary products.It will assist farmers to establish a honey collection and processing centre.
The project to promote beekeeping as a combined subsistence/commercial enterprise, is appropriate to a setting where poverty, hunger, disease and environmental degradation threaten the livelihoods of local people. It will contribute directly to addressing the abject poverty, food insecurity and rising unemployment.
Objectives
1. To establish two community apiaries at Butikiro and Kiyuni villages, each equipped with 50 langstroth beehives, 1 bee suit, 1 smoker and extractor.
2. To organize at least two training workshops on basic apiary development and management, honey harvesting and post-harvest handling skills;
3. To mobilise farmers to form two beekeepers’ groups and establish a honey collection and processing centre.
Expected Outcomes
• At least 2 community apiaries, each with 50 modern beehives established
• Modern honey harvesting equipment (including 2 bee suits, 2 smokers and 1 honey extractor) provided to farmers
• At least 50 farmers trained in improved apiary management and honey harvesting and handling skills.
• Two functional beekeepers’ groups established
• A honey collection and processing centre established.
The expected impact of the project will include:
• The average income of at least 50 farmers households will be doubled, as a result of selling honey and other bi-products such as wax.
• Food security and nutrition for the participating households will be improved through the consumption of some of the honey harvested.
• Ultimately, more than 100 people will be empowered to engage in modern beekeeping directly or indirectly through knowledge and skills that will be acquired.
• The project will lead to poverty reduction in the area as a result of the income generated from the sale of honey and the likely trickle-down effect. It is expected many other people in the area will, through the influence of the project, get engaged in modern beekeeping for income generation.