As an Enterprise Development Programme, the funding of beekeeping, formally known as ‘apiculture’ has a range of benefits in addition to providing a source of income and building skills. Lilitha Solar is very proud that this programme has been able to train seven local people in the handling of bees and related equipment, as well as to set them up to generate an income.

In rural areas, such as De Aar and the surrounds, sources of pollen are almost unlimited, and bees contribute greatly to the natural cross-pollination of local crops. The health benefits for locals who depend on small-scale farming for food, focus on the enriching quality of honey, in a diet that often depends on staples like rice and corn.

“Not only does beekeeping provide intrinsic health benefits by providing a source of highly nutritious food that is lacking in rural areas, but beekeeping requires few inputs and makes full use of the available pollen levels,” said Abner Wagenaar, Economic Development Manager for Lilitha Solar.

The project funding is inclusive of hives, equipment, site rental and of course most importantly the correct training and business support. This extends to the provision of training and books; establishment of the beehives; registration of membership and insurance; supply of the catch boxes for bee removal; supply of the beehives; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); and the supply of beekeeping and honey extraction equipment.

“In a municipality where many people aren’t able to financially support themselves, beekeeping represents a viable micro-economic enterprise that pays for itself in the first year, provides health benefits and is practical insurance against crop failure and local unemployment,” added Wagenaar.

The programme’s objectives include setting up small-scale businesses that can cater for local demand without having to travel long distances; and providing a new source of income for communities that lack opportunities by providing training and supporting local people to practice beekeeping.