Baraka Agricultural College/SHDI Beekeeping Outreach Project
March 2002
The beekeeping outreach project is funded by Self Help Development
International (SHDI), an Irish charity and is due to run up to the end
of 2004.
The primary target beneficiaries of this intervention are committed
beekeepers in Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Transmara, Baringo and Samburu
districts, Kenya. New entrants into beekeeping will also be encouraged
however. The above districts are high potential areas for beekeeping
and surround Baraka Agricultural College.
The primary focus of this project will be to address issues related
to inadequate/low supply of quality honey. This is a problem of beekeepers
who are fragmented and lack appropriate skills and information on beekeeping.
The project will focus on working practically with beekeepers at hives
(not in the classroom!). The project also aims to improve the skills
of other extension workers from NGOs and Government agencies. This will
be the core activity of the project.
Marketing will go hand in hand with increasing production of quality
product. The project will facilitate links between beekeepers and market
outlets.
This intervention is market-led and beekeepers are being stimulated
to increase production in response to definite market demand for bee
products.
The project will also try and influence policy at National level in conjunction
with other industry stakeholders to address issues such as fake and adulterated
honey in the Kenyan market as well as consumer awareness campaigns on
honey to increase consumption of bee products. The project will also encourage
better stakeholder collaboration at national level.
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