One million bee hives for resilient communities

Lesego Serolong Holzapfel is the founder of the social enterprise Bokamoso Impact Investments. In this blog post, she shares insights from its Beekeeper Training Programme which is creating rural jobs in South Africa while helping to save the endangered honeybee population.

Beekeeping is a crucial component of livelihood diversification in sub-Saharan Africa as it can bring food, medicine, and extra income. Thanks to the limited start-up costs and labour requirements, beekeeping renders an attractive economic pathway out of poverty for rural communities, particularly women and youth. Additionally, bees provide an essential service to our ecosystem, via pollination, directly contributing to enhancing food security and increasing yields in 75% of global crops.

At Bokamoso Agrihub in Taung, a village in the Northwest Province of South Africa, a number of women and youth beekeepers are currently undergoing training to care for the Hub’s honeybee population. Bokamoso has three training programmes running simultaneously, a flourishing bee population and an increasing number of vegetation varieties that are blooming. With the wildflowers now growing in close proximity to the hives, the wild blossoms can be observed right through the summer season.

Preserving the ecological balance

Bees are vital for the preservation of ecological balance and biodiversity in nature. Honeybees provide pollination services, thereby playing a vital role in food production and overall agricultural productivity. Over 75% of all the crops in sub-Saharan Africa benefit from pollination. Effective pollination increases agricultural produce, improves their quality and enhances plants’ resistance to pests. Cultivated plants that depend on pollination are an important source of income to farmers, especially smallholder farmers, and family-owned farms on the continent.

Bees also function as indicators of the state of the environment. Their presence, absence or quantity tell us when something is happening with the environment, and that appropriate action is needed. By observing the development and health of bees, it is possible to ascertain changes in the environment and implement the necessary precautionary measures in time.

Overcoming challenges

The South African market imports approximately 4200 tons of honey per year, with two-thirds originating from China. The shelf price of imported honey is often vastly lower than the cost of locally produced honey, but there is a growing concern that much of the imported honey could be adulterated and associated with health risks for consumers. It could also threaten the livelihood of South African beekeepers who supply pure, local honey.

Furthermore, many South African producers lack access to credit, meaning that they can only produce small volumes, sometimes with insufficient processing techniques. Other constraints include limited access to transport and a lack of collaboration among beekeepers on processing and marketing. There is, however, evidence of substantial local knowledge and sufficient beekeeping skills in practise, yet the lack of technical information still leads to poor harvests of honey and beeswax.

Recognising the pivotal role played by pollinators in upholding food security encompasses a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, heightened public awareness is crucial, with a focus on educating individuals about the staggering statistic that 75% of our leading crops rely on these remarkable insects for pollination. This foundational knowledge serves as a catalyst for change.

Secondly, the transition towards sustainable agricultural practices is paramount. This involves not only safeguarding the well-being of pollinators but also reducing their exposure to risks. By diversifying agricultural landscapes, minimising pesticide usage and integrating ecological processes into food production, we can ensure that pollinators thrive in peace with our food systems.

The Bokamoso approach

By developing a dedicated honey brand, Bee Loved Honey, we aim to tackle challenges faced by beekeepers and integrate the poor rural population of South Africa into the mainstream economy. Bokamoso uses only resources already present in rural communities to create jobs, new income streams and promote skills development.

• The majority of the profits generated are reinvested into the business to sustain and expand the Beekeeper Training Programmes to create an entrepreneurial platform that integrates the poor rural population of SA into the mainstream economy. The aim of the training is to increase yields and ensure the quality of the final product.
• By prioritizing farmer traceability and establishing a “farm-to-table” connection for each bottle of honey, Bee Loved Honey enhances its appeal in the high-end market. Additionally, the brand explores opportunities for value-added products and utilizes wax and propolis sales to contribute to its overall unit economics. Beekeepers are offered a fair buy-back price for their honey.
• One Million Beehives, a Bee Loved Honey Initiative, aims to manufacture 1 million beehives by 2025, to aid in repopulating the honeybee population, curb imports of unhealthy adulterated honey and provide a path to real economic empowerment & inclusion for rural-based communities.
• Bee Loved Honey emphasises the critical role of bees in pollination and the growth of natural resources, highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability. Encouraging local communities to participate in pollinator conservation endeavours fosters a sense of responsibility towards these vital insects and their ecosystems.

Written by Lesego Serolong Holzapfel