Munansi Hives

The Problem Statement:

• The rural community of Mubende faces multiple challenges including limited economic opportunities for the Youth, environmental degradation, and insufficient access to sustainable livelihoods with most acute condition among children in 2011 having 15% severely stunted.
• The lack of diversified income sources has resulted in widespread poverty headcount ratio of $1.90/day (2011 PPP) in 2013 with 16% below the poverty line and food insecurity among the local population.
• Additionally, the environment has been negatively impacted by deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices, leading to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

Target Audience

• The target audience for the Munansi Green Initiative’s beekeeping project in Mubende includes a diverse range of individuals who are directly affected by the challenges identified in the problem statement such as local farmers, women, youth, elders, Community Members in Deforested Areas, Low-Income Households, Rural residents
• These individuals live in simple dwellings, often in close proximity to their agricultural lands. They have limited access to modern amenities and services, relying on traditional practices for daily living. Their lives are closely tied to the land and the natural environment, making them particularly susceptible to the effects of environmental degradation and climate change.
• By targeting this diverse range of individuals, the Munansi Green Initiative aims to create a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the identified challenges and improving the well-being of the entire community in Mubende.

Our Solution:

• In response to these challenges, Munansi Green Initiative has initiated a beekeeping project in Mubende. This project aims to address the economic, environmental, and social issues faced by the community.
• By strategically addressing the needs of these diverse groups through the beekeeping project, the Munansi Green Initiative can create a comprehensive solution that uplifts the community of Mubende.
• Addressing economic challenges, promotes environmental sustainability, skill development, gender equality, and social cohesion.

Local Farmers:

• Diversified Income
• Enhanced Crop Yields

Women:

• Empowerment
• Income Generation

Youth:

• Skill Development

Elderly Individuals:

• Preserving Traditional Knowledge
• Active Involvement

Community Members in Deforested Areas:

• Environmental Restoration
• Soil Improvement

Low-Income Households:

• Income Augmentation
• Food Security

Rural Residents:

• Sustainable Livelihoods
• Community Cohesion

Competition Analysis

• The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organization: (TUNADO) is the apex body recognized by the public and government of Uganda to coordinate all value chain actors in the apiculture industry. TUNADO is a membership body that unites producers (beekeepers), processors, packers, service providers (trainers, researches, marketers, equipment manufactures etc.), development partners, government and all other stakeholders towards apiculture development in Uganda.
• Malaika Honey: Malaika Honey is a social enterprise that has specialized in beekeeping equipment & training in Uganda since June 2006. The founder started the business because of very low production levels but a lot of potential for communities to raise income levels. The conducts many training workshops around the country to farmers in beekeeping and provide them with the necessary equipment and tools in order to succeed and produce good quality honey and hive products.

1. Differentiating from TUNADO:

• Community-Centric Approach: We’re different cause we focus on the direct involvement of community members, especially marginalized groups like women and youth. With inclusivity of our approach and we bring positive social impact to local communities.
• Holistic Sustainability: Our project’s comprehensive focus on economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and community engagement. Our initiative goes beyond coordination and membership to create a tangible and multi-faceted positive change.
• Value-Added Products and Innovation: While TUNADO focuses on coordination, our project’s value-added products like beeswax candles and skincare products will set us apart. We embrace innovation in product development to capture a wider market.

2. Outshining Malaika Honey:

• Education and Empowerment: Our training model not only provides beekeeping training but also focusing on broader capacity-building and skill development among community members. Equip them not only with beekeeping skills but also entrepreneurship, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices.
• Diversification: We shall expand beyond beekeeping equipment to offer a complete package that includes not only training and equipment but also ongoing support, mentorship, and access to markets. This comprehensive approach will ensure the success of beekeepers in our network.
• Eco-Tourism and Experiences: Differentiate by integrating ecotourism experiences, such as guided tours and hands-on beekeeping sessions, which provide a unique and memorable way for people to connect with the project’s goals and nature.

Additional Strategies to Excel:

• Innovative Products: Develop new and unique bee products that cater to changing consumer preferences, such as organic, artisanal, or health-focused offerings.
• Technology Integration: Leverage technology for efficient hive management, online sales, and customer engagement. Consider creating a user-friendly app for beekeepers and customers.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Form strategic collaborations with local universities, research institutions, and organizations to enhance knowledge sharing, research, and market access.
• Transparency and Impact Reporting: Provide regular updates on the project’s impact, showcasing the transformation and successes of individuals and the environment through our initiative.
• Sustainable Packaging and Practices: Implement sustainable packaging for our products and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain.

Business Model

• Honey and Bee Products Sales: The primary source of revenue will come from selling honey, beeswax, propolis, and other bee-related products produced by the project. These products are sold locally at markets, stores, or through direct sales to consumers. We’re exploring to create online platforms to reach a broader customer base.
• Value-Added Products: We want to produce value-added products such as flavored honey, beeswax candles, skincare products, or mead (honey wine). These products can command higher prices and increase profitability.
• Tourism and Education: Develop beekeeping workshops, guided tours, and educational sessions for tourists, schools, and interested individuals. Charge a fee for participation and provide an immersive experience that educates people about bees and the importance of environmental conservation.
• Beekeeping Equipment Sales: Offer beekeeping equipment, hives, and tools for sale to individuals or other aspiring beekeepers in the region. This will create an additional revenue stream.
• Eco-Tourism and Experiences: Utilize the project’s focus on environmental conservation to attract eco-tourists who are willing to pay for unique nature-based experiences, such as guided forest walks, birdwatching, or hands-on beekeeping sessions.

• Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborate with local restaurants, hotels, and businesses to supply them with your honey and bee products. This will lead to bulk orders and ongoing partnerships.
• Grant Funding and Donations: Seek grants and donations from environmental organizations, NGOs, or government agencies that support sustainable livelihoods, conservation efforts, or community development projects.
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Model: Offer subscription-based honey and bee product deliveries to local households, creating a steady source of income while fostering a sense of community support.
• Workshops and Training Fees: Charge fees for beekeeping training workshops, skill development sessions, and other educational programs we offer to community members, especially those interested in starting their own beekeeping ventures.
• Product Branding and Marketing: Develop a strong brand identity that emphasizes the project’s environmental and social impact. Effective marketing through social media, local events, and partnerships can help attract customers and raise awareness.

Sustainability

People:

• Livelihood Enhancement
• Community Engagement
• Gender Equality

Planet:

• Environmental Conservation
• Pollinator Protection
• Climate Action

Profits:

• Income Generation
• Entrepreneurship

Aligned Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 1: No Poverty: The project’s focus on providing alternative income sources aligns with the goal of eradicating poverty and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Bees play a vital role in pollination, enhancing crop yields and food production, which contributes to reducing hunger and improving food security.

SDG 5: Gender Equality: Empowering women through beekeeping supports gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The project contributes to creating decent work opportunities and promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Beekeeping can help promote biodiversity and green spaces in cities, contributing to more sustainable environments.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Beekeeping, as an eco-friendly and sustainable practice, aligns with responsible consumption and production patterns.

SDG 13: Climate Action: Beekeeping indirectly contributes to climate action by supporting healthy ecosystems and promoting plant growth, which helps in carbon sequestration and climate resilience.

SDG 15: Life on Land:  The project’s focus on pollinator protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use practices contributes to preserving life on land.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The project involves partnerships between local communities, NGOs, governments, and businesses.

The project is well-aligned with the three pillars of sustainability (People, Planet, Profits) and contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, making it a holistic and impactful approach to addressing the challenges faced by the Mubende community while promoting long-term well-being and environmental health.

How Far Have We Gone

• Research and Planning: We have conducted research to understand the feasibility and benefits of beekeeping in Mubende. This includes identifying suitable bee species, understanding their behavior, and learning about hive management techniques.
• Community Engagement: We engaged with local community members, leaders, and stakeholders to introduce the idea of the beekeeping project. Through meetings, discussions, and workshops to gain support and gather input.
• Location Selection: We have identified appropriate locations for setting up beehives. I have considered factors such as proximity to flowering plants, water sources, and accessibility.
• Training and Capacity Building: We have carried out trainings and capacity-building sessions with community members interested in beekeeping. Educating ourselves about beekeeping practices, hive construction, and hive management.
• Hive Establishment: We begun the process of setting up 30 beehives, including assembling the hives, placing them in selected locations, and ensuring proper hive ventilation and protection.
• Bee Colony Acquisition: We have acquired bee colonies through attracting wild swarms, and introduced them to the hives.
• Environmental Awareness: We have conducted awareness campaigns about the importance of bees in pollination, ecosystem health, and biodiversity conservation. Helping build understanding and support for the project’s goals.
• Partnerships and Resources: We have established connections with local suppliers, organizations, and individuals who can provide beekeeping equipment, materials, and resources.
• Documentation: We have started documenting the progress of the project, including photos, videos, and records of bee activity and hive development.
• Market Research: We have begun researching potential markets for selling honey and bee products, both locally and potentially beyond the community.

How Far We Want Go?

• Scale Up Production: Expand the number of beehives and bee colonies to increase honey and bee product production. Collaborating with more community members, establishing additional hive sites, and optimizing hive management practices.
• Value-Added Products: Diversify our product range by creating value-added products such as beeswax candles, honey-based skincare products, or mead. To enhance profitability and market reach.
• Education and Training Center: Establish a dedicated education and training center for beekeeping. Offer workshops, courses, and certifications on beekeeping, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. Creating a hub for knowledge dissemination and skills development.
• Eco-Tourism and Experiences: Develop ecotourism packages that include beekeeping experiences, guided nature walks, and immersive learning opportunities for tourists. This could generate additional income and raise awareness about the importance of bees and environmental conservation.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborate with research institutions, universities, and environmental organizations to conduct studies on bee populations, pollination patterns, and the impact of beekeeping on local ecosystems. To scientific knowledge and attract funding for research and development.
• Community Empowerment Programs: Expand our project’s impact by incorporating other sustainable practices such as agroforestry, organic farming, or waste management. To create a holistic approach to community development and environmental sustainability.
• Export Opportunities: Explore opportunities to export honey and bee products to international markets, especially if our products meet organic and sustainable certification standards.
• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies and regulations that support beekeeping, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture at the local and national levels.
• Research and Innovation: Invest in research and innovation to improve hive designs, beekeeping techniques, and honey processing methods. This will lead to higher yields, better product quality, and more efficient practices.
• Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups: Specifically target marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as women, youth, and indigenous communities, to provide them with training, resources, and opportunities in beekeeping and related activities.

Resources Needed

• To achieve our ambitious goals, there’s need to scale up our project and we will need a combination of financial resources, human capital, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.

Financial Resources / Budget (USD 20,000):

• Initial Investment: To expand our beehive infrastructures, acquiring more bee colonies, purchasing equipment (hives, protective gear, tools), and establishing additional beekeeping sites.
• Operational Costs: Expenses for hive maintenance, bee health management, honey extraction, value-added product production, marketing, and community engagement.
• Education and Training: Funds for educational workshops, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives for community members, as well as potential employees and partners.
• Infrastructure Development: To establish an education and training center or ecotourism facilities. Construction, equipment, and necessary facilities.

Infrastructure:

• Hive Sites: Identify suitable locations for additional hive sites, ensuring they have access to flowering plants, water sources, and protection from environmental factors.
• Training Center/Office: Establishing an education and training center or office space, you’ll require physical infrastructure equipped with necessary facilities.

Human Capital:

• Beekeeping Experts: Employ or collaborate with experienced beekeepers who can oversee hive management, bee health, and honey production, as well as train community members.
• Agricultural Specialists: Experts in sustainable agriculture practices who will support integrated approaches to farming that complement beekeeping activities.
• Educators: For workshops and training programs, we’ll need educators who will effectively communicate beekeeping techniques, environmental conservation, and related subjects.
• Marketing and Sales Professionals: Hire individuals with expertise in business development, marketing, and sales to create effective strategies for promoting bee products and reaching new markets.

Marketing and Promotion:

• Branding and Packaging: Invest in branding and packaging design to create an appealing and recognizable brand for our bee products.
• Promotional Materials: Create marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and videos to raise awareness about our project and products.

• Digital Presence:
• Website and Online Store: We need a professional website that showcases our beekeeping project, products, and educational initiatives. An online store will enable customers to purchase honey and bee products directly.
• Mobile App (Optional): We’re also considering developing a mobile app to engage customers, offer educational content, and provide updates on the project’s progress.
• Partnerships and Co-founders:
• Strategic Partners: Collaborate with local organizations, environmental groups, universities, and governmental bodies to access funding, expertise, and resources.
• Co-founders or Key Team Members: We’re already a team of Three (3), but we’re looking to partner with individuals who bring complementary skills and resources, sharing the workload and strategic decision-making.

Bio:

• Byaruhanga Crispus is a passionate Social/Environmental Activist, Entrepreneur, Founder and Head of Operations & Research at Munansi Green Initiative; and a Founding Member/Chief Finance Personnel at The Permaculture Consortium of Uganda. He holds a BBA in International Business and more than 8years experience in Sales, Marketing, Strategic planning, and formulating, implementing.
• His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his participation in various training programs and organizations such as the Ministry of Water and Environment Uganda, Red Cross, YALI, UNICEF, Water Resources Institute Uganda, PACJA, Red cross, YECAP, YOUNGO, YALI, Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability, Global Youth Coalition (GYC), Oxford Net Zero (ONZ), Kenya Medical Association, Holistic systems cooperative, The Movers Programme, World Bank Group Youth Summit, Innovation 4 Climate, Outbox.
• He’s been involved in numerous initiatives addressing climate change, biodiversity adaptation, and mitigation. Among his notable achievements, such showing casing a nature-based at a side event at the COP26, he was part of a 300km hike to raise awareness about environmental protection and conservation. He led a team that planted over 10,000 fruit trees in 24 hours in Mubende with Munansi Green Initiative.
• Crispus’s dedication to public service and his long-term goal of making society a better place are evident in his continuous pursuit of knowledge and sharing of his expertise with others. He believes that through implementing what he learns, he can create sustainable impactful change to benefit countless lives.

Email: munansigreenrevolution@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +256772086788