BY DAN KABURU
Beekeeping, an age-old economic pursuit, remains a venture ripe for exploration. While many enter the beekeeping business with the sole aim of selling honey, overlooking its potential for diverse revenue streams, this narrow approach is evolving.
Thanks to research uncovering high-value byproducts with significant health benefits, such as bee venom, perspectives are shifting.
Kyalo Mutua, founder of Savannah Honey, highlights a prevalent reliance on imports among Kenyans for products like venom honey and bee venom creams. The escalating demand for these items stems from increased awareness of their health advantages, including anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and potential antibacterial properties.
“We’ve succeeded in localizing these products, offering cost-effective solutions compared to importing them,” he adds. Top of Form
Mutua underscores a transformation in accessibility, with local production increasingly meeting demand.
He says, that through collaborative efforts with local farmers, initiatives like installing venom harvesters in beehives aim to facilitate both local consumption and export opportunities. Education and training are paramount, ensuring farmers maintain quality standards while maximizing their returns.
“Despite the primary challenge being the lack of information, this venture holds immense potential to yield substantial profits for farmers,” he adds.
The extraction process, facilitated by a venom collector, prioritizes bee welfare, eliciting venom without harm. By regulating intensity and duration, bee health is preserved, while consistent collection optimizes the venom’s efficacy. Enhanced safety features minimize stress on the bees and mitigate potential injuries, ensuring their long-term well-being.
“The process of collecting bee venom seamlessly integrates into existing bee farming practices, providing an additional advantage alongside the existing benefits,” he adds.
In the past, bee stings were viewed as immunity boosters, but today’s market trends toward natural and organic products fuel a growing demand for bee venom. Savannah Honey’s offerings extend beyond venom to include bee pollen, propolis, wax, and royal jelly, capitalising on the diverse benefits of apiculture.
A Call to Action
The time is ripe for Kenyans to dive into the world of bee venom farming. With a perfect storm of idle land, ideal climate, and surging global demand, this industry represents a golden opportunity to uplift local communities. By tapping into the unexploited potential of bee venom, farmers can not only boost their own income but also contribute to Kenya’s journey towards self-sufficiency in honey production.
As Kenya envisions a future where its agricultural prowess reaches new heights, bee venom farming stands out as a shining example of innovation and sustainable growth. Let’s embark on this journey together, hand in hand with nature, and make the sweet sound of buzzing bees resonate with the promise of a better tomorrow.
Savannah Honey will work with you through a 5 years contract to ensure that you succeed in bee farming.
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