The validation process used participatory tools and techniquesdeveloped through stakeholder consultations. The local communities living inthe dry and semi-arid region, bee farmers, apitherapists, traders (candles,honey and processors of bee hive products, honey beeswax, propolis, royal jellyand bee pollen) are the beneficiaries of this innovation.

Bee keeping is not really a new technology, but modified methodsof undertaking the enterprise in the SME context is a strategic intervention. However,farmers still need to be retrained in bee keeping in order to maintain highquality and quantity necessary for them to be competitive on the market andrealise higher income. Additional income will by extension safeguardcommunities in the SME from food insecurity. The introduction of honey, ahighly nutritive addition to the local diet will also boost health.   

The innovation improves quality and quantity of bee products, andcreates jobs and opportunities for additional income to communities in SME.This innovation requires minimal investment costs besides establishment of theapiary infrastructure. Indeed, modern hives may not be affordable to somefarmers but the enterprise can be taken up, one hive at a time.

The technology is gender sensitive sincemodified bee keeping practice can be developed and managed by both male andfemale members of the local communities. Bee keeping caters for all the genderconcerns and focuses on mainstreaming women and youths in the implementationand development of this ecological and bio-friendly innovation while providingthem with alternative means of income and subsistence, thus simultaneouslytaking care of multiple needs such as income, food, conservation, and improvednatural resource management.

Beyene, T. and P. Davide, 2007. Ensuring small scale producers inEthiopia achieve sustainable and fair access to honey markets. Proceedings ofthe International Development Enterprises (IDE) and Ethiopian Society forAppropriate Technology (ESAT).

Johannsmeier, M.F. 2001. Beekeeping in South Africa, AgriculturalResearch Council (accessed May 19, 2011).