AgriBiz Entrepreneurs Undergo Agronomy Training

BY SOPHIE ACHIENG

In a bid to boost the horticulture sector and empower farmers in Kenya, KCIC’s AgriBiz program in partnership with the Kenya School of Agriculture conducted a comprehensive training program with a focus on Horticulture value chains.

The rigorous 10-day training took place in Nyeri (at the Kenya School of Agriculture) from 5th to 16th of June, 2023, attracting over 150 entrepreneurs from across the country, representing all the eight AgriBiz hubs

One of the key objectives of the training was to provide participants with access to information and capacity-building opportunities This was achieved through classroom sessions and practical lessons that involved visiting farms, with expertise shared by the Kenya School of Agriculture.

The training curriculum encompassed crucial aspects of soil management, water management, plant propagation and nursery management, gender in agribusiness, integrated pest and disease control, and value addition technology

The training also covered agricultural marketing, agribusiness proposal development, entrepreneurship in agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and crop management practices By addressing these key areas, the program equipped farmers with the necessary tools to optimize crop yields, manage resources effectively, and embrace sustainable agricultural practices

The entrepreneurs gained deeper understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, that will allow them to optimize their crop yields and manage resources effectively Armed with this knowledge, the enterprises will be better equipped to connect with potential buyers, negotiate favorable prices, and develop business plans that attract investors. This will unlock new avenues for market access and profitability, propelling farmers towards sustainable economic growth

Participants at the training lauded the impact of the training to the subsequent running of their entreprises Nashon Odiwuor, an entrepreneur under the Kisii Hub who works with 80% women in line with vegetable farming and distribution acknowledged an important lessons learnt “KCIC has done an amazing job in coordinating this training We appreciate the opportunity to learn, network and go home challenged I have gained important lessons in value addition which I am going to practice” he said ,

Mister Bee, and the Making of a Sustainable Beehive

BY TOBIAS BELLE

In the bustling world of beekeeping, the relentless threat of the infamous honey badger looms large Fierce and fearless, honey badgers have posed a significant threat to wooden beehives for years, leaving beekeepers counting huge losses

The medium-sized members of the weasel family are considered one of the toughest animals in the world, with their ability to take on any prey, cobras, and all, with little to no consequence

With a determination that outweighs their size, they can take on any threat The vicious stings of the African honeybees only whet their appetite for honey Enter Mister Bee, an innovative enterprise based in Machakos County, offering innovative beekeeping solutions that not only thwart honey badgers but also present a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wooden hives.

At the heart of Mister Bee's groundbreaking solutions lies the concrete beehive -an indestructible fortress that weighs about 100kgs, effectively safeguarding honeybees against the relentless onslaught of honey badgers

These hives stand impervious to the sharp claws and teeth of honey badgers, ensuring the safety of honey and honeybee larvae within Beyond its honey badger resistance, the concrete hive brings other invaluable benefits, transforming the beekeeping industry.

“For each concrete hive used, a tree is saved, making it a sustainable choice compared to traditional wooden hives Furthermore, these hives are a one-time investment, eliminating the need for regular replacements, unlike their wooden counterparts This not only reduces costs for beekeepers but also lessens the impact on forests hence contributing to a greener future , ” says Joseck Matheri, the founder of Mister Bee

Another persistent challenge faced by beekeepers is the invasion of wax moths, which can decimate the wax produced by bees, rendering their honey-making efforts futile With wooden hives, combating wax moths is challenging, but the concrete hive provides a solution. Matheri explains that fire treatment, an effective method against wax moths, can be readily applied to the concrete hive, further enhancing its appeal as a practical and durable choice for beekeepers.

The unique properties of Mister Bee’s concrete hives also ensure that bee colonies remain at an ideal temperature even during hot seasons, relieving bees from the burden of over-flapping their wings to cool the hive Moreover, the hefty weight of the hive makes it theft-proof, offering additional security to beekeepers' valuable assets

Social Impact

Mister Bee credits its success and growth to the support provided by the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) through the GreenBiz program The proof-of-concept financing from KCIC allowed the enterprise to refine and test its innovative product Additionally, KCIC facilitated the navigation of intellectual property and patenting processes, empowering Mister Bee to establish a solid foundation for its business

“We are now taking a comprehensive approach to beekeeping, with an end-to-end business model We not only sell hives to our clients, but also manage the beehives for a duration, train farmers to become selfsufficient, and even offer a specialized compound that attracts bees to the hives We also extend our services to include harvesting and buying honey from the farmers, ensuring market access and continuous business growth,” Matheri elaborates

Mister Bee's concrete beehive marks a pivotal turning point in sustainable and predator-resistant beekeeping solutions Combining innovation, ecological consciousness, and comprehensive support to beekeepers, Mister Bee stands as a one-stop-shop for all things honey With the ruthless honey badger finally meeting its match, the future of beekeeping looks brighter, greener, and more secure