APPRECIATING THE BEEKEEPINFG VALUE CHAIN

In order to realize optimal results from beekeeping, all components of the beekeeping value chain must be harnessed, nurtured, enhanced, developed and appreciated. Components of this value chain include all those aspects, things, activities and processes which contribute or are incidental to the production of the final bee-product. This article will give a brief elaboration on the roles and significance of some components in the beekeeping value chain. It is only by having a good understanding and appreciation of the various components that the various players in the beekeeping and associated sectors can optimally perform their respective roles and responsibilities.

Let the honeybee be the starting point and the first component of the value chain. The honeybee gathers raw materials from several sources which are ultimately converted into finished bee products such as honey, beeswax and several other derived products. Where there are no bees, there cannot be bee products. Hence, bees are critical in the value chain and they need to be nurtured and protected if productivity is to be enhanced and optimised.

It is essential to ensure that bee populations are boosted through measures which enhance their reproduction and survival. Measures such as conserving natural vegetation and planting flowering plants for their nectar and pollen, conserving their natural habitat, allowing natural swarming, and several other simple measures can go a long way in maintaining and boosting bee populations. On the other hand, practices which decimate bee populations should be avoided or done away with. Practices such as injudicious and indiscriminate use of pesticides and other toxic chemicals in bee forage areas, reckless and inconsiderate honey harvesting methods, and large scale mono-cropping end up dwindling bee populations and should be done away with.

The second component of the bee keeping value chain is the environment. This constitutes their habitat –where bees live as well as where they get their bee pasture. An important part of this is the vegetation. Bees depend on flowering plants for their survival, just like flowering plants depend on bees for survival through plant procreation which is achieved through pollination, an activity aided by bees. Nectar and pollen producing plants should be conserved because where there is no bee forage, there will be no bee production. Planting of flowering plants should been encouraged while indiscriminate deforestation should be avoided. Also, use for dumping of toxic substances should be avoided because they end up contaminating the environment with such contamination ending up in final bee products. Well safeguarded environments will yield organic products in bountiful quantities, and that means increased productivity and good prices, resulting in more money in your pockets.

Let’s look at the beekeeper now as another component of the value chain. Yes, it is said that bees do not need man but man needs bees, however, man plays an important role in making available bee products to the market and ultimate consumer. In order for the beekeeper to successfully produce, they need to be equipped with basic understanding about the craft of beekeeping and they need to possess basic essential production equipment. Without bee handling equipment such as bee smokers and bee protective clothing, together with product handling equipment like honey buckets honey strainers, etc. productivity cannot be optimal.

Suppliers of beekeeping equipment are another essential component of the value chain. Apiary hardware such as hives, bee handling equipment such as smokers and bee PPE, product storage and processing equipment such as honey and wax extractors, honey presses, buckets and honey tanks, packaging material and other associated accessories are vital requirements for success in beekeeping and suppliers of these are invaluable to beekeeping. It is better to procure from specialised suppliers in most cases rather than go the D.I.Y way especially in hive construction. There is underlying technology behind the dimensions and angles and spacing’s etc. which you may not know but which specialist manufacturers appreciate, no wonder their hives always deliver best results.

Another component are providers of beekeeping training and extension services. In order to succeed you need to have basic understanding about beekeeping and because, just like any other craft, beekeeping is perfected through practice, extension services are essential to offer guidance and advice to beekeepers as they gather experience.

Honey processors and packers, providers of distribution and marketing services, providers of financial services, transporters and providers of warehousing services are yet another component. They provide very important support services which ensure that final products are brought to the consumer timely and efficiently.

In conclusion, it is the duty and responsibility of all players and all of us to contribute to the development of beekeeping. It is only when every single component and aspect of the value chain performs to its maximum efficiency and effectiveness that optimal results can be obtained. Enjoy your beekeeping in this new great year where beekeeping is poised to hit records highs.

This information is brought to you in the community service of Al – Apis ConceptsLtd.

For yourquestions and clarifications from this feature, contact the author on 0967 419551/0954 186 973. Email: apisconcepts@gmail.com. For allyour beekeeping requirements contact Al-Apis Concepts Ltd. Phone: +260 966474757

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