Project Length – 12 months 

This is the third year that we have supported this group of beekeepers, we’re excited that this year thanks to our support they have been able to create co-operative of beekeepers across the county – a first of its kind! Read about the past project here.  

Problem Statement 

Mangrove degradation is an ongoing problem in Lamu and globally. This is due to many reasons including global temperature and sea changes as well as human development. As mangroves are vital to coastal protection, it is important that we address mangrove degradation through nature-based solutions such as beekeeping. 

In the past years we observed that bees prefer staying in apiaries near mangroves, confirming the symbiotic relationship and the honeybees critical role in pollinating mangrove species native to the Lamu Archipelago. Thus, protecting bee colonies will also contribute to the success of other projects which aim to restore mangrove forests.  

Moreover, beekeeping helps conserve mangrove forests because it can provide an alternative income source for local communities dependent on cutting and selling wood. Beekeeping also supports the natural reproduction of bee colonies by providing them with a safe place in the beehives to swarm. 

Project Summary 

Lamu Tamu Beekeepers (LTBK) brings together eleven small community-managed apiaries to share resources, access markets, and educate people on the importance of honeybees in ecosystem conservation. The project’s goal is to reduce human harm to honeybees and introduce modern beekeeping as an alternative, non-destructive, forest-based livelihood opportunity.  

To reduce harmful human behaviour, LTBK will implement educational activities targeting children and those who practice destructive honey harvesting. To improve modern beekeeping as a livelihood, LTBK will build its own capacity as a co-operative, establish a honey value chain and provide technical support to the eleven apiaries to increase their productivity 

Objective

Reduce human harm to honeybees and introduce modern beekeeping as an alternative, non-destructive, forest-based livelihood opportunity. 

About the Organisation 

The formation of the LTBK is an output of the LEF-funded project ‘Beekeeping to Enhance Ecosystem Restoration & Livelihoods in Lamu Archipelago’s Mangrove Communities’ started in February 2022 by Save Lamu. Since this project has been supporting small farmers in geographically scattered locations, it was critical to unite them into one Society that can ensure sustainability by resource sharing, capacity building and market access.  

LTBK is the first organization in Lamu County to specialize in beekeeping formed by the community beekeepers supported by LEF’s abovementioned project, who have two or more years of experience in beekeeping.  

Due to the shift in the implementing organisation from Save Lamu to LTBK, YEAR 3 will also see the beekeepers become much more involved in the project implementation. The quarterly Management Committee Meeting will be the forum to discuss the performance of the apiaries, make decisions about resource allocations and review the progress of the project. For those apiaries that are not represented in the management committee, the focal points will be invited to the meeting to ensure equal representation.  

The focus of YEAR 3 will be to build the capacity of the beekeepers enrolled, increase productivity, and pilot the education and awareness program. As such, no new beneficiary groups will be taken this year apart from Save Lamu.

Check out LTBKs instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lamutamubeekeepers/