Dupoto Beekeepers are a Cooperative that is working to improve livelihoods and socio-economic circumstances of grass-root beekeepers through the improved production and quality of honey, enhanced market access, and improved enterprise profitability.
Community Beekeeping Committees formed under the Cooperative have been working to enhance productivity and profitability in the HONEY value chain. This includes proper bee colony management; management of the available beehives; leadership and governance; control of pests and diseases; how to access quality honey and process it correctly, the management of other products; the development of markets; and access to strong partnerships between the stakeholders. The Co-op is also focused on improved beekeeper’s knowledge on cooperative legislation and linkages with finance institutions.
The other objective is to increase honey marketability. This means adding value to products and access to the equipment that can make Dupoto a success. The C0-op is expected to directly benefit farmers with direct access to the market. This effort will further improve the household incomes of the conservancy communities by providing alternative livelihood for their families.
So far, we have witnessed more members joining Dupoto. Membership has now grown to 350 from the initial number of 270 members at the inception of this program. Honey collection points have been agreed by members and this cooperation is leading to a unity of purpose. With an increase of bee hives from 2,700 to 3,100, the Cooperative has managed to harvest a total of 120 Kilograms of quality honey so far.
Trainings has proven to be an “eye-opener” to many and are seen as contributing to bringing back the glory of these great communities in Mukogodo East and their forest.
People are gaining skills day-by-day and are very happy about the sessions.
Dupoto Beekeepers Cooperative is supported by the FAO under the GEF6 Restoration Initiative Project, and this is the first year of financial support. Support is delivered through the Laikipia Forum as we work to build their capacity.
To become a member of the Dupoto Bee Keeprs Coorparative, one needs to
- register as a new member with Ksh 300
- Contribute Ksh 1,200 as the minimum share
For more information on the Cooperative and how to become a member, contact the Chair, Mr. Benson Kataka, on 0710 788 142
This initiative is supported by
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