Apiculture for local development

The project combats poverty and supports development in Uganda by creating self-employment and income generation through apiculture. Its objective is to create a sustainable and environmentally sound source of income for impoverished communities by providing them with appropriate equipment and training in beekeeping activities.

Beekeeping requires minimal capital investment. It does not compete for other agricultural resources and is therefore a successful strategy for agricultural diversification to create additional income streams for households. The project is provided with hives, a training course, protective clothing and equipment (such as smokers, which are made locally), and ongoing support in terms of extension services and marketing assistance.

The project is run on a microcredit basis. The beneficiaries repay the initial cost of the hives over a 4-year period and the funds are then reinvested in the training and setting up of new beekeepers. Direct income derives from the sale of honey, beeswax, propolis (a natural health product) and other hive products and related industries such as candle-making.

Founded in 2003 in England, Hives Save Lives - Africa (HSLA) has been operating in Uganda for three years and currently has over 35 projects across the country with 1200 hives distributed. The association has trained nearly 200 farmers and local community members in basic beekeeping skills.

Through its support, the Addax Foundation is financing a beekeeping cooperative for a period of two years. This will provide the beekeepers with the necessary skills and equipment to produce a high quality honey and commercialise it directly in the marketplace. The purpose is to facilitate a self-sustaining honey industry in the Rwenzori and Hoima/Kisiita districts.

The specific objectives are:

to provide 400 modern hives to Rwenzori district and 200 modern hives to Hoima/Kisiita district;
to achieve 90 % hive colonisation within 12 months after hive distribution;
to increase honey production by mid 2011 to 9,000 kg in Rwenzori and 2,400 kg in Hoima/Kisiita.

Location	Rwenzori and Hoima/Kissiita districts Uganda
Objective	Generate self-employment through apiculture
How	By supporting Hives Save Lives - Africa