IGATI MISSION ONE MILLION BEE HIVE PROJECT

MERU COUNTY
PROJECT CONCEPT
PROJECT DESIGN
IMPLEMENTION BLUE PRINT
APPROX BUDGET

LAUNCHED ON 19TH AUGUST 2024
By our bro and friends
PATO BANTON AND
ANTOINNETE ROOTSDAWTAH
WITH THE IGATI COMMUNITY MEMBERS
AT TIMAU STADIUM

Chapter 1: Introduction and Vision

1.1 Project Overview

The Igati mission One Million Bee Hive Project is an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming the socioeconomic landscape of Meru county through sustainable bee farming. The project is designed to empower local communities by providing them with the resources, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to thrive in the bee farming industry. This project is spearheaded by Igati Creative and Innovators NGO, in collaboration with various stakeholders including County government of Meru, National Government, Ubuntu international, various corporates, philanthropist and people of goodwill for meru county and its residents, it seeks to address pressing challenges such as increasing poverty levels, unemployment, food insecurity, environmental degradation and above all, setting a pace for much needed social economic transformation in our communities while showcasing the power of social entrepreneurship as a catalyst for bottom up economic model. The project was conceived and designed by Mr. Alfred Gitonga, A missionary of social entrepreneurship and founder of the igati community as part of Igati Agribiz Cluster models that holds the potential of making Meru an hub of agricultural innovation and industrial growth. To learn more about igati visit igatikenya.org

1.1 Project Main Objectives

1. Economic Empowerment: To provide a sustainable source of income for community members by enhancing sustainable bee farming practices and value chain.
2. Community Training and Development: To equip community members with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful bee farming.
3. Environmental Conservation: To enhance pollination and biodiversity through the expansion of bee colonies and community apiaries .
4. Social Entrepreneurship: To foster a culture of social entrepreneurship and self-reliance within the community.

1.2 Rationale

Meru county is predominantly rural with a population of more 1.7 million people and local communities is heavily reliant on subsistence farming and limited economic opportunities for small holders’ farmers. The region faces significant challenges, including increasing poverty rates, limited income opportunities, food insecurity, and environmental issues due to unsustainable agricultural practices. The introduction of bee farming as a complementary economic activity offers a viable solution to these challenges for the residents of meru county.

Bee farming is not only a low-cost, low-maintenance activity but also one that provides multiple streams of income. From honey production to the sale of beeswax and other bee-related products, bee farming can substantially increase household income while promoting environmental conservation. The *One Million Bee Hive Project* is, therefore, a timely intervention that addresses the dual needs of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

1.3 Project Goals

Primary Goals

Increase Household Income: By distributing and supporting the management of one million bee hives, the project aims to significantly boost the income of local farmers and community members.
Enhance Food Security: The project will contribute to food security by enhanced pollination, thereby increasing crop yields and ensuring the availability of diverse food sources.
Promote Environmental Conservation: Beekeeping supports biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The project will encourage communities to adopt eco-friendly practices that protect and preserve their natural habitats.
Drive Rural Industrial Growth: The project will lay the groundwork for rural industrialization by establishing value addition centers in various location for honey processing, packaging, and branding, thus creating jobs and stimulating economic growth

Secondary Goals

Community Empowerment: The project will empower local communities by providing them with the skills and resources needed to manage their own bee farming enterprises.
Gender Equality: Special emphasis will be placed on involving women and youth in the bee farming industry, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources for all community members.
Model for Social Entrepreneurship: The project will serve as a model for other agriculture clusters, sunflower farming, pig farming, poultry farming and neighbouring counties, demonstrating the potential of social entrepreneurship to drive community-led development.

1.4 Vision Statement

The vision of the One Million Bee Hive Project is:

“To create a self-sustaining, environmentally conscious, and economically empowered community through the establishment of one million bee hives, driving social and economic transformation across Meru and neighboring counties.”

This vision reflects our organisation commitment to fostering sustainable bottom up social economic development by adopting Igati Agribiz cluster models to reduce poverty, promote environmental stewardship and rural industrial growth. It encapsulates the long-term impact the project aims to achieve, not only in the target counties and bee farming but also as a replicable model for other clusters and regions.

1.5 Target Audience

Local Communities and Farmers: The primary beneficiaries who will receive training, resources, and support to establish and manage bee hives, thereby enhancing their livelihoods.

Government (National and Meru County): Key partners in providing policy support, grants, and advocacy to ensure the project’s success and sustainability.

NGOs and Development Partners: Collaborators who will bring in expertise, funding, and other resources to amplify the project’s impact.

Sponsors and International Partners: Critical supporters who will fund and promote the project on a global scale, helping to secure the necessary resources for full implementation.

Educational and Research Institutions: Partners in conducting research, training, and capacity building, ensuring that best practices are adopted and innovation is fostered.

Engagement with these stakeholders will be critical to the project’s success. Each group will be actively involved in different phases of the project, ensuring that the initiative is inclusive, participatory, and sustainable.

Chapter 2: Strategic Framework

2.1 Project Design and Structure

The Igati Mission One Million Bee Hive Project is designed as a multi-faceted, community-driven initiative with a focus on sustainability, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation. The project’s design reflects a holistic approach to bottom up social economic development, where various components work together to achieve the overarching goals of poverty alleviation, food security, job creation, and rural industrial growth.

Key Components of the Project:

Bee Hive Distribution: The project will oversee the distribution of one million bee hives across Meru by Igati NGO through established igati bee farmers’ cooperative societies at every constituency. The distribution will be done in phases, prioritizing communities with high potential for bee farming and strong organizational structures. The project will ensure that each participant receives training on hive colonialization, inspection, management and honey production.

Capacity Building and Training: Training is a critical component of the project. Beneficial community members will receive comprehensive training on bee farming best practices, hive management, honey harvesting, and value addition. Training will also cover business skills, including marketing, financial management, and cooperative management.

Cooperative Formation and Strengthening: The project will support the formation and strengthening of bee farmers’ cooperatives at the constituency level. These cooperatives will play a central role in the project’s implementation, including registering members, issuing bee hives, providing hive inspection and colonization services, and facilitating honey harvesting and value addition. The cooperatives will also be responsible for maintaining records, managing loans and grants, and ensuring compliance with project guidelines.

Value Addition and Market Access: To maximize the economic benefits of bee farming, the project will establish value addition centers for honey processing, packaging, and branding. These centers will ensure that honey and other bee products meet market standards and can be sold at a premium price. The project will also facilitate market access by linking cooperatives with local, regional, and international buyers.

Environmental Conservation: The project will promote environmental conservation by encouraging sustainable bee farming practices. This includes the preservation of natural habitats, reforestation, and the use of organic methods in hive management. The project will also raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the role of bees in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

2.2 Roles and Responsibilities

The success of the Igati mission one Million Bee Hive Project depends on the active involvement and collaboration of various stakeholders. Each stakeholder group has specific roles and responsibilities that are critical to the project’s implementation.

1. Igati Creative and Innovators NGO

Vision and Leadership: The NGO, led by its board of directors, will provide the overall vision and leadership for the project. The board will be responsible for setting strategic priorities, mobilizing resources, and ensuring that the project aligns with the organization’s mission and values.

Resource Mobilization: The NGO will lead efforts to mobilize resources, including funding, technical expertise, and partnerships. This will involve engaging with local and international sponsors, development partners, and other stakeholders to secure the necessary support for the project.

Monitoring and Evaluation: The NGO will establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of the project, assess its impact, and identify areas for improvement. This will include regular reporting to stakeholders, as well as conducting impact assessments to measure the project’s effectiveness.

2. Igati Mission Kirimaara Chapter CBO:

Community Outreach and Mobilization: The CBO will play a key role in mobilizing and engaging community members. This will involve conducting outreach missions, organizing educational workshops, and facilitating stakeholder engagement.

Training and Capacity Building: The CBO will be responsible for delivering training to project beneficiaries, covering all aspects of bee farming, hive management, and cooperative management. The CBO will also provide ongoing support and mentorship to ensure that participants are able to apply their skills effectively.

Resource Mobilization: The CBO will work closely with the NGO to mobilize local resources, including in-kind contributions from community members, volunteers, and local businesses. The CBO will also play a key role in organizing community fundraising efforts.

3. Bee Farmers Cooperatives:

Registration and Hive Distribution: Cooperatives will be responsible for registering members, issuing bee hives, and ensuring that participants comply with the project’s guidelines. The cooperatives will maintain records of all hives issued, including loans and grants, and will be responsible for collecting payments from members.

Hive Management and Inspection: Cooperatives will provide hive inspection and colonization services to ensure that hives are well-maintained and productive. This will include regular visits to apiaries, as well as providing technical support to farmers

Honey Harvesting and Value Addition: Cooperatives will oversee honey harvesting, aggregation, and value addition. This will include managing the value addition centers, ensuring that honey is processed and packaged to meet market standards, and facilitating the sale and distribution of honey and other bee products.

4. Individuals, Self-Help Groups, and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

Apiary Management: Individual farmers and self-help groups will be responsible for managing their own apiaries, including hive maintenance, honey harvesting, and ensuring compliance with cooperative guidelines. They will also be responsible for paying any dues to the cooperative and participating in cooperative activities.

Participation in Cooperative Governance: Farmers and group members will have the opportunity to participate in the governance of their cooperatives, including electing leaders and making decisions about cooperative activities.

5. Government (National and Meru County)

Policy Support and Advocacy: The government will provide policy support and advocacy to create an enabling environment for the project. This will include facilitating access to land for community apiaries, providing grants and subsidies, and supporting the development of infrastructure.

Capacity Building and Technical Support: The government will collaborate with the NGO and CBOs to provide technical support and capacity building for project beneficiaries. This may include training on beekeeping best practices, as well as providing access to extension services.

6. Sponsors and Development Partners:

Funding and Technical Expertise: Sponsors and development partners will provide the necessary funding and technical expertise to support the project’s implementation. This will include providing grants, loans,

Chapter 3: Strategic Implementation Plan for the Igati Mission One Million Bee Hive Project

3.1 Strategic Phases of Implementation

Phase 1: Mobilization and Training

Timeline: Initial 6 months start date 19th August 2024

Activities:

Community sensitization and mobilization across Meru county

Formation and registration of bee farmers’ cooperative societies at the constituency level.

Training of CBO members, cooperative societies, and individual farmers in modern bee farming practices.

Phase 2: Distribution and Colonization of Bee Hives

Timeline: 6 to 12 months

Activities:

– Procurement and distribution of bee hives to registered farmers and cooperatives.

– Provision of hive colonization services and ongoing technical support.

Phase 3: Honey Production and Value Addition

– Timeline: 12 to 24 months

– Activities:

– Establishment of honey processing centers at strategic locations within the project area.

– Training in value addition, including honey packaging, branding, and product diversification.

Phase 4: Market Development and Sales

– Timeline: 24 to 36 months

– Activities:

– Development of local, national, and international markets for honey and related products.

– Strategic partnerships with retail chains, wholesalers, and online platforms for product distribution.

Phase 5: Evaluation and Expansion

– Timeline: 36 to 48 months

-Activities:

– Monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes to assess impact.

– Expansion of the project to include additional counties and possibly other regions in Kenya

3.2 Budgeting and Resource Allocation

A detailed budget has been prepared separately here below, taking into consideration the impact and interests of targeted sponsors, including contributions from local and international partners and it is available to stakeholders, potential sponsors for their consideration and support, the budget implementation and allocation will be project phases based depending on support coming from different sources

3.3 Budget Allocation and Management

3.3.1 Budgeting Principles

– Impact-Oriented Budgeting: Allocate resources based on the expected impact of each component of the project. Prioritize activities and investments that will have the most significant effect on the project’s objectives, such as bee colony establishment, honey production, and value addition.

– Transparency and Accountability: Implement rigorous financial management practices to ensure transparency and accountability. This includes regular financial reporting, audits, and adherence to best practices in financial management.

– Contingency Planning: Include a contingency fund within the budget to address unexpected challenges or opportunities that may arise during the project’s implementation.

3.3.2 Budget Breakdown

– Beehive Production and Distribution: Allocate funds for the production and distribution of beehives, focusing on ensuring that each beehive is high-quality and suitable for the local environment.

– Training and Capacity Building: Invest in training programs for community members, cooperative societies, and CBOs to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their bee farming activities effectively.

– Infrastructure Development: Fund the development of essential infrastructure, including community apiaries, honey processing facilities, and storage units.

– Marketing and Value Addition: Allocate resources for the branding, marketing, and distribution of honey and other bee-related products to maximize their market value.

– Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensure adequate funding for ongoing monitoring and evaluation activities to track the project’s progress, measure its impact, and make necessary adjustments.

3.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Regular updates will be provided to all stakeholders by Igati NGO, including general public, members, sponsors partners. This will ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the project’s objectives. the model of engagement and communication will include letters, memos, messages in main and social media platforms

3.5 Conclusion

The Igati Mission One Million Bee Hive Project presents a unique opportunity to create lasting change in Meru County and beyond. With the support of all stakeholders, including the enthusiastic endorsement from Pato Banton at the project’s launch, the initiative is poised to become a model of social entrepreneurship and community empowerment in Africa.

Chapter 4: Resource Mobilization and Financial Strategy

4.1 Introduction

Resource mobilization is the lifeblood of the Igati Mission One Million Bee Hive Project. Ensuring a sustainable flow of resources—financial, material, and human—is critical to the project’s success. This chapter details the strategies and approaches for mobilizing the necessary resources, including financial support, partnerships, and in-kind contributions, to achieve the project’s ambitious goals.

4.2 Financial Resource Mobilization

4.2.1 Internal Funding Sources

– Product Sales: Generate revenue from the sale of honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products. This revenue will be reinvested into the project to fund ongoing activities and expansion efforts.

– Membership and Service Fees: Introduce membership fees for cooperative societies and service fees for hive inspection, honey harvesting, and other services provided by the project. These fees will help cover operational costs and ensure the project’s financial sustainability.

– Grant Renewals and New Funding: Continuously seek renewals of existing grants and identify new funding opportunities to support the project’s long-term goals.

4.2.2 External Funding Sources

– Government Grants: Secure grants from the national and county governments, especially those focused on agricultural development, environmental conservation, and rural industrial growth. Applications for grants should highlight the project’s alignment with government priorities and its potential to create jobs, improve food security, and promote sustainable development.

– Development Agencies and International NGOs: Engage with international development agencies and NGOs that support similar initiatives. These organizations can provide not only financial resources but also technical expertise, training, and capacity-building support.

– Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships: Identify and approach local and international corporations that have a vested interest in sustainable social economic development, environmental conservation, and social entrepreneurship. Potential sponsors may include companies in the agricultural, food production, and environmental sectors.

4.2.3 Fundraising Campaigns

– Global Fundraising Initiatives: With the support of Pato Banton, Antoinette Rootsdawtah, and Ubuntu International, launch global fundraising campaigns. These campaigns will target international donors, social entrepreneurs, and philanthropists who align with the project’s vision of sustainable community development.

– Crowdfunding: Utilize online crowdfunding platforms to raise funds from individuals and organizations worldwide. Crowdfunding campaigns will highlight the project’s impact on poverty alleviation, job creation, and environmental conservation, appealing to a broad audience of potential supporters.

4.2.4 In-Kind Contributions

– Beehive Production: Seek in-kind contributions from local and international manufacturers of bee farming equipment. Donations of materials such as wood, metal fittings, and other necessary supplies will significantly reduce production costs.

– Land and Infrastructure: Engage local communities and governments to provide land for community apiaries and other necessary infrastructure. This could include the donation or subsidization of land, buildings, and other facilities required for the project’s implementation.

4.2.5 Volunteerism and Technical Support

– Local and International Volunteers: Recruit volunteers with expertise in bee farming, cooperative management, community development, and environmental conservation. These volunteers can provide essential training, technical support, and capacity building to ensure the project’s success.

– Professional Services: Engage professionals such as accountants, lawyers, marketers, and project managers to offer pro bono or discounted services. This will help ensure the project’s operations are run efficiently and meet all regulatory requirements.

Chapter 5: Igati Mission One Million Bee Hive Budget Approximate

Igati creative and innovators NGO has developed a budget that captures the flow of funding and the growth of the Igati Mission One Million Bee Hive Project, while leveraging the existing over 2,000 bee colonies, we’ll create a phased approach. This approach will gradually scale up the number of colonies from the existing 2,000 to 300,000 per year, with monthly breakdowns that will show progress, continually attract funding, and inspire community engagement.

5.1 Budget Structure Overview

Phase 1: Initial Setup and Scaling (Months 1-12)

-Existing Colonies Utilization: Start with the existing 2,000 colonies spread across Meru county.

-Hive Acquisition: Gradually increase hive numbers each month for every member.

-Colonization and Inspection: Monthly colonization and inspections from societies officers.

-Training and Capacity Building: Regular workshops and seminars at the sub location level.

– Harvesting Scheduled harvesting activities based on colony growth.

– Value Addition and Marketing: Progressive establishment of aggregation centers and marketing efforts in every constituency of Meru county.

Phase 1: Monthly Breakdown

Month 1

– Existing Colonies Utilization: 2,000 colonies.

– Hive Acquisition: 10,000 hives.

– Colonization & Inspection: Start colonization of new hives, inspect existing ones.

– Training and Workshops: 9 workshops at Kshs 20,000 each.

– Harvesting: Limited harvesting from existing colonies.

– Value Addition: Begin planning and setup for the first aggregation center.

Months 2-6

– Hive Acquisition: Increase by 20,000 hives per month.

– Colonization & Inspection: Continue colonizing new hives, monthly inspections.

– Training and Workshops: Continue with 9 workshops/seminars monthly.

– Harvesting: Begin regular harvesting from newly established colonies.

– Value Addition: Complete setup of the first aggregation center; begin setup of additional centers.

Months 7-12

– Hive Acquisition: Increase by 40,000 hives per month.

– Colonization & Inspection: Ongoing colonization and inspections.

– Training and Workshops: 9 workshops/seminars per month.

– Harvesting: Regular harvesting activities.

– Value Addition: Setup of additional aggregation centers and marketing efforts.

5.2 Annual Budget Breakdown

5.2.1 Month 1

Item	Quantity	Unit Cost (Kshs)	Total Cost (Kshs)
Hive Acquisition	10,000	4,000	40,000,000
Transportation & Colonization	10,000	200	2,000,000
Inspection & Maintenance (existing + new hives)	2,000+10,000	100/month	1,200,000
Training & Capacity Building (workshops)	9	20,000	180,000
Harvesting (existing colonies)	N/A	N/A
Value Addition (initial planning)	1 center	2,000,000	2,000,000
Total for Month 1			45,380,000

5.2.2 Months 2-6

Item	Quantity	Unit Cost (Kshs)	Total Cost (Kshs)
Hive Acquisition	20,000	4,000	80,000,000
Transportation & Colonization	20,000	200	4,000,000
Inspection & Maintenance (cumulative)	2,000+10,000	100/month	1,200,000
Training & Capacity Building (workshops)	9	100/month	~4,400,000 - 14,000,000
Harvesting (existing colonies)	N/A	N/A
Value Addition (setup)	1 center	2,000,000	2,000,000
Total for Each Month (2-6)			~90,580,000 - 100,580,000

5.2.3 Months 7-12

Item	Quantity	Unit Cost (Kshs)	Total Cost (Kshs)
Hive Acquisition	40,000	4,000	160,000,000
Transportation & Colonization	40,000	200	8,000,000
Inspection & Maintenance (cumulative)	Varied	100/month	~18,000,000 - 32,000,000
Training & Capacity Building (workshops)	9	20,000	180,000
Harvesting (existing colonies)	Regular	Varied	1,000,000
Value Addition (setup & marketing)	2 centers	4,000,000	4,000,000
Total for Each Month (7-12)			~191,180,000 - 205,180,000

5.2.4 Total Annual Budget

Phase	Total Cost (Kshs)
Months 1-6	~550,500,000
Months 7-12	~1,176,000,000
Total for Year 1	~Kshs 1,726,500,000

Igati Community One Million Beehives Project/Concept Design