Introduction of Beekeeping and Sunflower Production to Conserve the Environment
Case Study C0111
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| Date | 2004 |
| Agency | Kitui Development Centre (KDC) |
| Donor/support agency | World Neighbours FARM Africa African Beekeepers Limited KARI – Oil Seed Programme Government of Kenya Line Ministries Various Community Based Organizations (CBOs) Honey Care Africa |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Productive landscape |
| Geographic coverage | Kenya |
| Locality | Kitui district |
| Biodiversity focus | Arid/semi arid ecosystem |
| Development focus | Local communities |
| Conservation goals | Decrease the exploitation of natural woodlands |
| Poverty reduction goals | Increase community income through promotion of beekeeping and sunflower production |
Summary
Kitui Development Centre (KDC) is a Local NGO operating within Kitui district, which experiences low and erratic rainfall pattern of between 300-800mm with over 60% crop failure. This scenario leads to persistent food shortages. Occasionally, the community receives food relief from the government and NGOs to fill the gap. Charcoal burning is the main income generating activity due to ready market. Natural woodlands are increasingly being overexploited leading to land degradation and reduced land productivity. Indigenous trees that have various uses are among the species lost in the process. In 1999, an impact assessment for World Neighbours Kitui revealed that charcoal burning remained a major source of income.
Modern beekeeping was introduced to improve farm production and develop new methods of increasing household income without environmental destruction. Two hundred langstroth hives were purchased and distributed to 4 self-help groups in 4 villages. The average production per hive per year gave 21 kgs of honey compared to local hives, which give a maximum of 8 kgs of honey per hive per year. In June 2003, additional 500 more hives were purchased and by February 2004, the farmers had harvested 300 kgs of honey selling at a price of Ksh. 110 per kg. The price of honey sold is equivalent to 471 bags of charcoal at a local price of Ksh. 70 per bag.
To maximize the benefits, promotion of sunflower, which includes simple and cheap oil extraction technology, provides the community with alternative source of edible oil while providing the bees with nectar. The resultant sunflower cake is used as livestock feed, hence improving livestock health. The scenario has reduced sale of staple food and improved food security.
Conservation impact
Charcoal burning has decreased since the best trees for charcoal are the best trees for honey.
Poverty reduction impact
The introduction of modern beekeeping has increased honey sales from Ksh. 880 per year to Ksh. 2,310 per year. There has also been an increase in income from the sale of sunflower. The sale of staple food has reduced since community is selling sunflower products. 526 women are now involved in beekeeping which traditionally was seen as men’s work.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://www.bestpractices.org/database/bp_display_best_practice.php?best_practice_id=1096
Reference 2
http://www.maendeleo-atf.org/Grantees-Profiles/profs_kdc.html
More information
Janet Syombua Mumo
Phone Number: 254-044-22096
E-mail: kidc@nbnet.co.ke
Related records above this one:
- Understanding the Links Between Conservation and Development in the Bamenda Highlands, Cameroon (Biblio B0001)
- Honey Care Africa Ltd (Organisation O0031)