The Business of Bees: Global Beekeeping for Community Growth

Welcome

We were excited to welcome guests to our second event in Shared Interest Foundation's 20th anniversary celebrations, which took place virtually on 11th July at 10:30 AM. This event aimed to highlight the significant role of beekeeping in rural development and draw parallels with local beekeeping in the UK.

In 2018, we launched our first 'Bees for Business' project in Burkina Faso, helping 125 women in rural communities become beekeepers and establish a sustainable honey production business.

Recently, in Uganda, we supported 351 coffee farmers to diversify into beekeeping, enhancing their income and boosting coffee tree growth through bee pollination.

Guest Speakers

Kodzo Korkortsi

Kodzo is the Shared Interest Foundation Manager based in Accra, Ghana. He leads the development and delivery of projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of producers across Africa and Latin America. He will introduce the work of the Foundation and give an overview of our current activities.

Ian is the Social Media Manager for the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) and has been a beekeeper in northeast England for over 15 years. A former Chair of Newcastle and District BKA, Ian keeps around twenty colonies and conducts training sessions each season. He will share insights into local beekeeping practices.

Bunyangabu Beekeepers Cooperative Society Limited (BBC)

BBC, based in Western Uganda, promotes beekeeping as an income-generating activity. Starting as a Community Based Organisation (CBO) in 1993, it was registered as a co-operative in 2011. BBC provides support, inputs, and training in hive making and beekeeping business management to farmers and youth. The co-operative currently has 754 beekeepers and collects 30 tonnes of honey annually. Their mission is to promote sustainable and appropriate beekeeping technology among farmers for better income and improved health in a friendly environment.

Edson Kule: Head of Training and Field Work and Member of BBC

For the last seven years Edson has worked at Bunyangabu Beekeepers Cooperative (BBC) in western Uganda as the Head of Training and Field Work. He has a degree in Agriculture and Community Development and is also a professional beekeeper with 92 colonies. Edson is the lead trainer supporting our Bees for Business project working with coffee co-operative Bukonzo Organics. BBC provides support, inputs, and training in hive making and beekeeping business management to farmers and youth.

Moris Muhindo: General Manager and Member of BBC

Moris Muhindo is the General Manager of BBC responsible for leading on the growth and development of the organisation. He is also an experienced beekeeper with 37 colonies.