Hive Aid

Beekeeping activities supported by the German Federal Government and (implemented by GTZ Deutsche Gesellschaft far Technische Zusammenarbei.

Since 1986, GTZ, which is owned by the German Federal Government, has supported more than 20 beekeeping development projects. Currently GTZ is assisting 12 countries in implementing beekeeping projects.

Before any project is started — regardless whether it is long or short-term, major or less important in financial terms — a feasibility study is carried out.

Project categories

GTZ-supported beekeeping projects can be placed into three different categories according to financial commitment and subjects covered.

Large-scale projects: these projects cover a wide range of field activities such as extension, research, training, production, marketing and institutional development. Generally these projects last more than nine years, the financial commitment is above US$6 million and they are assisted by a seconded beekeeping expert. Currently GTZ is helping to implement three projects in this category, in Malawi, Pakistan and Tunisia.

Medium-scale projects: projects in this category commonly cover subjects such as extension, production and marketing. Their lifespan is around six years, the financial commitment does not exceed US$3 million and they are frequently assisted by external consultancies. Often a project of this sort is implemented as a programme component of a larger rural development programme. Currently GTZ is helping to implement four projects which fall in this category, in Benin, Céte d'Ivoire, Yemen and Zambia.

Small-scale projects: generally these projects cover only one or two subjects such as disease control measures and extension. They are implemented within a two to three year period, and their financial commitment varies between US$100,000 and 200,000. Commonly these are self-help projects implemented by producer associations and administratively assisted by another GTZ project in the country in question. This category covers projects now underway in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Tunisia.

Experience to date

In developing countries beekeeping promotion programmes are often implemented on the assumption that only a low level of investment and experience is needed and that there is a rapid return on the investment. The experience of development experts shows that apiculture is just as difficult to promote as any other form of agricultural production. The risks involved are high. Survival of hives, for example, during the hot and dry season is not guaranteed, and disease problems — especially the Varroa mite — endanger production. Hive theft, the quality of the harvest and sometimes marketing problems make it hard to maintain intensive production.

In order to minimise risk GTZ carries out a very thorough feasibility study which covers marketing, the socio-economic situation of the target groups, and production aspects. It is not surprising that not all project proposals appraised are implemented. The major difficulties encountered include: the chosen technology is inappropriate, beekeeping is not profitable, sustainability is not ensured, or markets are not secured, to name but a few.

To avoid pitfalls during the project implementation period, projects commonly start as pilot schemes which give planners the necessary experience to successfully design and implement a large-scale project.

How can beekeepers in developing countries benefit from GTZ experience?

It all starts with a project idea. Anyone can come up with an idea which has to be formed into a clear concept and turned eventually into a technically and economically feasible proposal. The proposal must be channelled through the Government of the country concerned and forwarded via the local German Embassy to the Ministry of Economic Co-operation in Germany (BMZ). After a preliminary screening, considering the needs and plans of the developing country and the principles and objectives of German development policy, the BMZ asks GTZ to prepare a thorough project appraisal report.

Should the BMZ consider the project “eligible for promotion’, a project agreement with the partner country is concluded.

This seems a rather long-winded, tedious process before a project can get off the ground, but results achieved justify the initial efforts.

GTZ, Division 422, Eschborn.

Hive-Aid

An important part of Beekeeping and Development's objective is to help those involved with the planning or implementation of beekeeping projects to be aware of other projects, past and present. With funding for development in short supply it is vital that resources are not wasted in repeating work. Previous Hive-Aid features have given details of projects of FAO, IDRC and IFS. I hope that other development organisations will feel encouraged to compile data on their projects, and to briefly explain their policy, as GTZ have kindly provided here.

Editor

REVIEW OF MAJOR BEEKEEPING PROJECTS

COUNTRY: Malawi

PROJECT TITLE: Promotion of small-scale beekeeping in the Northern Region.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Develop an economical beekeeping model. model. Improve marketing structure.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Advisory and consultancy services. Local and external training. Provision of equipment and materials.

COUNTRY: Pakistan

PROJECT TITLE: Support to the Beekeeping Institute of NARC in Islamabad.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Improve production systems. Production of extension material. Development of community self-help activities.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Advisory and consultancy services. Local and external training. Provision of equipment and materials.

COUNTRY: Tunisia

PROJECT TITLE: Promotion of beekeeping in the Sedjenane Region.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Varroa control. Privatisation of beekeeping associations. Introduction of improved management

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Advisory and consultancy services. Local and external training. Provision of equipment and materials.

COUNTRY: Cote d'Ivoire

PROJECT TITLE: SODEPRA, Apiculture Centre in the Katiola Region.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Improve extension and marketing.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Advisory and consultancy services. Materials and equipment.

COUNTRY: Yemen

PROJECT TITLE: Rural Development Programme, Al-Mahwit.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Improve extension field activities.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Advisory services. Provision of materials.

COUNTRY: Zambia

PROJECT TITLE: Agricultural Development Programme, North-West Region.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Improve extension material and marketing.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Advisory services. Provision of materials.

COUNTRY: Lebanon

PROJECT TITLE: Varroa control.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Improve Varroa control measures.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Consultancy. Provision of drugs.

COUNTRY: Syria

PROJECT TITLE: Assistance to the National Beekeepers’ Association, Damascus.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Improve disease control, production and bee breeding.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Consultancy. Training. Equipment.

COUNTRY: Tunisia

PROJECT TITLE: Varroa control.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE: Develop biological disease control method.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY GTZ: Consultancy. Provision of materials and equipment.