FRESH FOOD FARM-ADJUMANI

BEEKEEPING/APICULTURE
BUSINESS PLAN
By: dmaxcovenice@gmail.com
Signed and Presented by Venice

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FRESH FOOD FARM
Contents
FRESH FOOD FARM-COMMERCIAL BEE KEEPING BUSINESS PLAN ............................................................... 4
BASIC INFORMATION OF THE FARM ............................................................................................................. 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 5
ABOUT THE FARM ..................................................................................................................................... 5
FRESH FOOD FARM OFFICIALS ...................................................................................................................... 6
LIST OF MEMBERS NAMES ............................................................................................................................ 7
BACKGROUND OF APICULTURE AND FRESH FOOD FARM ............................................................................ 7
PROFILE OF BEEKEEPING/APICULTURE ..................................................................................................... 7
PREVIOUS AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................... 8
JUSTIFICATION .............................................................................................................................................. 8
KEY ISSUES AND RATIONALE/ GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................... 8
TARGET ORGANIZATION AND STAKEHOLDERS ............................................................................................. 9
ROLES OF THE PARTICIPATING MEMBERS .................................................................................................... 9
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN .............................................................................................................................. 9
OBJECTIVE ONE: ........................................................................................................................................ 9
OBJECTIVE TWO: ....................................................................................................................................... 9
OBJECTIVE THREE: ................................................................................................................................... 10
OBJECTIVE FOUR: .................................................................................................................................... 10
POSSIBLE CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................... 11
HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS ............................................................................................................ 11
Effects of stings and of protective measures: ..................................................................................... 11
SMOKER .............................................................................................................................................. 11
DISEASES ............................................................................................................................................. 12
MONITORING AND EVALUATION................................................................................................................ 12
ACCOUNTABILITY CAPACITY ....................................................................................................................... 12
SUSTAINABILITY .......................................................................................................................................... 13
CURRENT FINANCIAL STATUS ..................................................................................................................... 13
BALANCE SHEET FOR FRESH FOOD FARM............................................................................................... 13

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FRESH FOOD FARM
BUDGET ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
BUDGETED MATERIALS TO BUY .............................................................................................................. 14
MATERIALS’ IMAGES AND PICTURES ...................................................................................................... 15
CASH FLOW: PROJECTED SALES, EXPENSES, PROFIT AND PROFIT MARGIN ............................................... 20
Packaging and sale of Bee Honey ........................................................................................................... 21
Packaging and sale of bee pollen ............................................................................................................ 21
Packaging and sale of royal jelly ............................................................................................................. 21
Packaging and sale of Bee Propolis ......................................................................................................... 21
Packaging and sale of Bee wax ............................................................................................................... 21
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................................... 22
CONCLUSION PICTURE/MAGAZINE SCREEN-SHORT ............................................................................... 22
APPEDIXES; .................................................................................................................................................. 23
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: .................................................................................................................. 23
BEE HONEY .......................................................................................................................................... 23
WHAT IS POLLEN? ............................................................................................................................... 25
BEE ROYAL JELLY BENEFITS ................................................................................................................. 28
PROFILE OF BEE PROPOLIS, THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS AND OTHER POSSIBLE FINANCIAL BENEFITS .. 30
PROFILE OF BEE WAX, THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS AND OTHER POSSIBLE FINANCIAL BENEFITS .......... 33

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FRESH FOOD FARM
FRESH FOOD FARM BUSINESS PLAN
Sustainable Livelihood Project: Response to the Social and Livelihood Needs
for both international and local Community through Beekeeping/apiculture
Project.

BASIC INFORMATION OF THE FARM

NAME OF THE FARM FRESH FOOD FARM

YEAR OF REGISTRATION NON REGISTERED

(Certificate No.) NA
CONTACT INFORMATION dmaxcovenice@gmail.com, 0775566532,
(Address, phone, fax, email, web) 0756219113, 0703097296, 0781650648

HEAD OF THE FARM DR. GLORIA KIAPI

(Name, phone, email) +447780852228
CONTACT PERSON FOR PROPOSAL MR. OVOYA VENICE.
(Name, phone, email) 0775566532/0756219113.
dmaxcovenice@gmail.com
BANK DETAILS NA

PROJECT TITLE BEEKEEPING/APICULTURE

LOCATION OF THE PROJECT PERIMETRE ROAD-PAKELE, ADJUMANI

PROJECT TIMELINE 1 YEAR, THEN CONTINUOUS

(Start and end dates)
TOTAL FUNDS REQUESTED UGX 10,584,000
(UGAND SHILLING)
SIGNATURE OF HEAD OF
THE FARM AND SECRETARY 1…………………………., 2 ………………………….

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FRESH FOOD FARM
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ABOUT THE FARM
FRESH FOOD FARM is composed of a total of 7 Members; 2 women, 5 men. It is yet
to be registered in the year to come under ministry of trade and agriculture; it has
the mandate to operate in the community of Adjumani with focus on furtherance of
the common objective of the business. It has been involved in various activities
including;

 Farming activities i.e. Goat rearing, Horticulture and Poultry rearing

 Environmental issues i.e. tree planting, soil erosion conservation.

FRESH FOOD FARM is an outfit of all members of the community who have agreed
to come together for the sake of unity and development. The farm has an impeccable
motto. `` TOGETHER WE STAND``

It consists of both genders (male and female), age diversity.

We the people of FRESH FOOD FARM ACKNOWLEDGE the supremacy of the

Almighty God of all creation.

PROUD of unity, culture, love and above all the fact that we live in peace as one
indivisible sovereign community, committed to nurturing and protecting the well-
being of the individuals, the family, and the community for the sake of prosperity
and community.

Currently the farm has three officials and 4 other members but, the number of
members continuously will increase.

The farm has been in existence for this long due to the prevailing working condition
and the hard work of all members and its officials.

The farm is further divided into three different independent farm sectors.

Recently the farm has come with great focus to start many economic empowerment
activities where BEE KEEPING was chosen as one of the major activities that the
farm will be concentrating on at anytime of the year to give back up to horticulture.

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FRESH FOOD FARM
FRESH FOOD FARM OFFICIALS
1. Dr. Gloria Kiapi Head of the farm
2. Mr. Ovoya Venice Farm Accountant
3. Mr. Juma Kayondo Farm Manager
4. Ms. Elizabeth Kebirungi In charge of Poultry/ cleanness
5. Mr. Musinguzi David In charge of goats
6. Shafic Kasalirwe Supportive staff
7. kaamu Robert Supportive staff

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LIST OF MEMBERS NAMES
NO. NAMES ID NUMBERS.
1. DR. GLORIA KIAPI
2. OVOYA VENICE
3. JUMA KAYONDO
4. KEBIRUNGI ELIZABETH
5. MUSINGUZI DAVID
6. SHAFIC KASALIRWE
7. KAAMU ROBER
8.

BACK GROUNDOF APICULTURE AND FRESH FOOD FARM

PROFILE OF BEEKEEPING/APICULTURE
Beekeeping/apiculture or apiculture is the maintenance of honey bee colonies,
commonly in man-made hives, by humans. A beekeeper (or apiarist) keeps bees in
order to collect their honey and other products that the hive produces (including
beeswax, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly), to pollinate crops, or to produce bees for
sale to other beekeepers. A location where bees are kept is called an apiary or "bee
yard."

Depictions of humans collecting honey from wild bees date to 10,000 years ago.
Beekeeping/apiculture in pottery vessels began about 9,000 years ago in North
Africa. Domestication is shown in Egyptian art from around 4,500 years ago. Simple
hives and smoke were used and honey was stored in jars, some of which were found
in the tombs of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun. It wasn't until the 18th century that
European understanding of the colonies and biology of bees allowed the
construction of the moveable comb hive so that honey could be harvested without
destroying the entire colony.

BEEKEEPING farming is to start with the use of modern beekeeping/apiculture,

with the use of timber made bee hives to most modern, modern top bar hives,
Vertical stackable frame hives and Horizontal frame hives. The farm is blessed with
the presence of bees’ categories as follows; Queen, Worker bee and Drones.

FRESH FOOD FARM has made decision to develop this well planned method to do
beekeeping/apiculture to help develop the farm financially and to rise the income
earning.

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PREVIOUS AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES
FRESH FOOD FARM has been involved in these previous and current activities as
listed below;

 Farming activities i.e. Goat rearing, Horticulture and Poultry rearing

 Environmental issues i.e. tree planting, soil erosion conservation.

JUSTIFICATION
Food is one of the basic needs of man. Regardless of the economic situation, human
beings must feed and since products from beekeeping/apiculture has various
benefits from the sale honey, wax, pollen & Propolis. Therefore man can use the
money from beekeeping/apiculture products to buy food.

The community in which Fresh food farm is situated receives very unreliable rainfall
every year leading to low agricultural production. This hostile climate in the area
has led to yearly food shortages with many households depending on natural
resources especially trees for charcoal burning as source of livelihood. The frequent
hanger has created pressure on the forest creating havoc and human destruction
leading to shortage of water for human beings and Animals. The indigenous wild
monkey has been encroaching regularly to the farm and do havoc to the crops. This
reduces the harvest output and as well increases the cost for farming since scare
crews are paid. So having opted at beekeeping/apiculture the FRESH FOOD FARM is
hereby offering an outstanding method of dealing with financial losses arising from
crops farming.

KEY ISSUES AND RATIONALE/ GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To do beekeeping/apiculture to support the farm including employees
enumeration.
2. To train farm members to provide basic training to other interested
upcoming beekeepers.
3. To educate community on the risks and benefits of beekeepin/Apiculture
4. To mobilize and sensitize the community on beekeeping/apiculture products
including; honey, wax, etc.

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TARGET ORGANIZATION AND STAKEHOLDERS
The targeted markets for this project consist of Ugandan local market, European
market and also the East African market. This will be achieved through extensive
network of advertisement.

ROLES OF THE PARTICIPATING MEMBERS

The participating members in this project will include the farm officials, the
registered community members and the relevant sub-committee members
including the security persons.

The Manager (Juma) will be charged with the role of bees’ inspection and part of
harvesting team.
The Accountant (Venice) will be the overall person in charge of coordinating all
activities involved. Including documentation and proper filing, all accounting and
transactions involving cash and cash equivalent and also part of the team for
harvesting, processing, packaging and marketing
The Head of the farm (Dr. Gloria) will be in charge of final decision making including
finances, Europe market coordination.
Honey harvest will be done by; Juma Kayondo, Venice Ovoya and David

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
ACTIONS TAKEN (STRATEGY AND METHODOLOGY) BY OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE ONE:
To do beekeeping/apiculture to support Fresh food farm financially

The farm identified beekeeping/apiculture to further support its original plan of

strengthening the financial status of the farm and also boost employment in the
community and providing education to the interested upcoming commercial
beekeepers

OBJECTIVE TWO:
To train Fresh food farm members to provide basic socio-economic assistance to
individuals who are within Fresh food farm community through promoting
beekeeping/apiculture

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Mostly the members will be able to get socio-economic support from the farm
activities in relation to the Practice of beekeeping/apiculture. The products of
beekeeping/apiculture including honey, wax, pollen and others will generate good
money to the farm and therefore as the farm is developing, the members also will be
able to develop.

OBJECTIVE THREE:
To educate community on the risks and benefits of beekeeping/apiculture;

Due to major risk from the stink of bees, the community and the people charged
with the responsibility of handling bees should have enough education on handling
and harvesting bee hives, and also they should Use all the necessary protective
cloths to handle bees well so that there is no accidental incident reported.

FRESH FOOD FARM community also will be educated on the final products and their
use and marketing and selling their products well in the final market or for
processing to other usable products for sale.

OBJECTIVE FOUR:
To mobilize and sensitize the community on beekeeping/apiculture products
including; honey, wax, etc.

FRESH FOOD FARM will sensitize the community on beekeeping/apiculture

products including; honey, wax, etc.

The beekeeper (or apiarist)should keep bees in order to collect their honey and
other products that the hive produces (including beeswax, propolis, pollen, and
royal jelly), to pollinate crops, or to produce bees for sale to other beekeepers.

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POSSIBLE CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS
HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS
Effects of stings and of protective measures:
Some beekeepers believe that the more stings a beekeeper receives, the less
irritation each causes, and they consider it important for safety of the beekeeper to
be stung a few times a season. Beekeepers have high levels of antibodies reacting to
the major antigen of bee venom, phospholipase Antibodies correlate with the
frequency of bee stings.

The entry of venom into the body from bee-stings may also be hindered and
reduced by protective clothing that allows the wearer to remove stings and venom
sacs with a simple tug on the clothing. Although the stinger is barbed, a worker bee
is less likely to become lodged into clothing than human skin.

If a beekeeper is stung by a bee, there are many protective measures that should be
taken in order to make sure the affected area does not become too irritated. The
first cautionary step that should be taken following a bee sting is removing the
stinger without squeezing the attached venom glands. A quick scrape with a
fingernail is effective and intuitive. This step is effective in making sure that the
venom injected does not spread, so the side effects of the sting will go away sooner.
Washing the affected area with soap and water is also a good way to stop the spread
of venom. The last step that needs to be taken is to apply ice or a cold compress to
the stung area.
SMOKER
Smoke is the beekeeper's third line of defense. Most beekeepers use a "smoker"—a
device designed to generate smoke from the incomplete combustion of various
fuels. Smoke calms bees; it initiates a feeding response in anticipation of possible
hive abandonment due to fire. Smoke also masks alarm pheromones released by
guard bees or when bees are squashed in an inspection. The ensuing confusion
creates an opportunity for the beekeeper to open the hive and work without
triggering a defensive reaction.

Many types of fuel can be used in a smoker as long as it is natural and not
contaminated with harmful substances. These fuels include hessian, twine, burlap,
pine needles, corrugated cardboard and mostly rotten or punky wood.

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FRESH FOOD FARM
Indian beekeepers, especially in Kerala often use coconut fibers as they are readily
available, safe, and of negligible expense. Some beekeeping/apiculture supply
sources also sell commercial fuels like pulped paper and compressed cotton, or even
aerosol cans of smoke. Other beekeepers use sumac as fuel because it ejects lots of
smoke and doesn't have an odor. Some beekeepers are using "liquid smoke" as a
safer, more convenient alternative. It is a water-based solution that is sprayed onto
the bees from a plastic spray bottle.
DISEASES
The common agents of disease that affect adult honey bees include fungi, bacteria,
protozoa, viruses, parasites, and poisons. The gross symptoms displayed by affected
adult bees are very similar, whatever the cause, making it difficult for the apiarist to
ascertain the causes of problems without microscopic identification of
microorganisms or chemical analysis of poisons. Since 2006 colony losses from
Colony Collapse Disorder have been increasing across the world although the causes
of the syndrome are, as yet, unknown. In the US, commercial beekeepers have been
increasing the number of hives to deal with higher rates attrition.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Participatory monitoring and evaluation method will be used where internal and
external control and the general staffs of the farm will be involved in the process.
Monitoring will be done weekly, monthly and continuously, while evaluation will be
done at every stage of the project to determine the impact or achievement of the
project after a period of 12 months. Based on the reporting criteria set up by head of
the farm, the farm will continue to share knowledge and the best practices amongst
others. The monthly report will be shared with relevant farm management and the
affiliated bee farmers in the region. The best practices, lessons learned and the
success stories will be documented and shared with collaborating partners.

ACCOUNTABILITY CAPACITY
FRESH FOOD FARM will be expecting funding from different farms as (Savanna
goats farm, Happy hen farm and Bella fruits farm) regarded as donors and the head
of the farms (Dr. Gloria Kiapi). The management committees will be trained on
accountability process on donors funding. The farm management committees will
be trained on procurement process, project cycle management, good governance,

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transparency and accountability. The Accountant, Manager and the head of the farm
shall have vast experience on basic finance and capable of managing the donor
funding.

SUSTAINABILITY
To enhance sustainability of the project the members of the farm will build on the
areas as outlined in the project. The planned activities will generate income which
will be further used to up scale the project activities. The restoration of the financial
status of members will create healthy living style and guarantee better life and other
benefits and services to the FRESH FOOD FARM employees. Training and education
programme will ensure sustainability as organizations and individuals will be able
to pass the message on and our farm will be able to look for ways to get donation
and funds frequently from other organizations, government and institutions.

CURRENT FINANCIAL STATUS

BALANCE SHEET FOR FRESH FOOD FARM

AS AT 30TH JUNE, 2023
ASSETS LIABILITIES

NARRATION UGX UGX NARRATION UGX UGX

NON CURRENT ASSETS: LONG TERM LIABILITIES:

1. Land (70.5 acres) 35m + 10.575m 45,575,000 Capital 10,817,925.75
2. Water pump ……… ……………… Capital from past years 40,416,369.75
3. Tractor ……… ……………….
4. Tractor plough 5,000,000
5. Spray bomber 85,000
(non motorized)
6. Motorized bomber 750,000 SHORT TERM LIABILITIES:
7. Weighing
scale(shared cost) 75,000 Creditors (Happy Hen) 250,704.5

CURRENT ASSETS
1. Available stocks ……………….
2. Cash at hand ……………….
3. Cash at bank ……………….

TOTAL ASSET 51,485,000 TOTAL LIABILITIES 51,485,000

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FRESH FOOD FARM

BUDGET
(explain cost assumptions/justification for each category and objective as per
detailed budget below).

BUDGETED MATERIALS TO BUY

QTY DETAILS RATE UGX IN UGX.
20 BEE HIVES (KTB) 100,000 2,000,000

Honey Harvesting Kit Comprises of

3 1. Bee Veil 20,000 60,000
3 2. Bee Suit 100,000 300,000
3 3. Gloves 35,000 105,000
3 4. Smoker 60,000 180,000
5 5. Hive Tool 15,000 45,000
3 6. Bee Brush 20,000 60,000

3 7. Pollen extractor 35,000 105,000

1 8. Venom extractor 850,000 850,000

10 9. Honey buckets 25,000 250,000

10. honey pressing machine 1,400,000 1,400,000

Watering Materials;
20 1. Water containers 4,000 80,000

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1 Fencing Materials;
1. 2 rolls of barbed wire 610metres NA NA
2. 10 rolls of chain link 18 metres NA NA
3. poles NA NA
4. U-nails 4kg NA NA
5. 2 bags of cement NA NA
6. Transportation NA NA
7. Labour 40% Total Fencing Materials NA

1 Installation and labor charges for all

(40%All) NA
1 Miscellaneous charges (8%All) NA

1 Flowers plantation Highly As much as

needed possible
1 Transport 500,000
TOTAL MATERIAL COST 5,935,000

MATERIALS’ IMAGES AND PICTURES

BEE HIVES

MOST MODERN
HIVE

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FRESH FOOD FARM

KTB BEHIVE

BEEHIVE KTB

Bee Veil
BEEE-VEIL

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Bee Suit

Bee handling
Gloves

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Bees hive
Smoker

Hive Tool

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FRESH FOOD FARM

Bee hive Brush

Water Tanker
210litres

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CASH FLOW: PROJECTED SALES, EXPENSES, PROFIT AND PROFIT MARGIN

Packaging and sale of Bee Honey

Un processed bee honey will be packed into 20kgs buckets, where out of 20
beehives, One hive can produce 60 lb (27 kg) or more in a good season, however an
average hive would be around 25 lb (11 kg) surplus. This unprocessed bee honey
will be harvested and produced every year and the final honey packed into small
bottles of 1kg or 0.5kg containers. Then will be sold at best market price to the local
market and international market. Considering that we have not yet got best and
final consumers (companies) for the final products, we shall temporarily sell
unprocessed honey @ 9,000/= per kilogram. In a year, we shall harvest 27kgs from
every hive (thus from 20 hives we shall have 540kgs per year). Where (27kg x 20)
=540kg of honey in one full year will produce (540kgx9, 000) =4,860,000/= in a good year.

A. SALES=4,860,000

The cost of product will be;

{27 buckets x 25,000} =675,000/=

Labor/allowance at harvest time = 150,000

PROFIT WILL BE= 4,860,000/= - 675,000/= - 150,000/= = 4,035,000/=

B. INCOME=4,035,000/=

Now for a relatively bad year it will be (11kg x20) =220kg x 9000=1,980,000/=

1. SALES= 1,980,000/= Means the FRESH FOOD FARM

has a net income of Ushs 1.20 for
The cost of product will be; each dollar of total revenue
earned. So the business is
{11 buckets x 25,000} =275,000/= profitable.

Harvest allowance = 150,000/=

PROFIT WILL BE= 1,980,000 – 275,000 – 150,000= 1,555,000/=

2. INCOME=1,555,000/=

The profit margin from the sale of honey will be.

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FRESH FOOD FARM
The profit margin ratio formula can be calculated by dividing net income by net sales.

Good year= (4,860,000/4,035,000) =1.20

Bad year= (1,980,000/1,555,000) =1.273

Packaging and sale of bee pollen

There will be large Amount of bee pollen from each beehive after every harvesting
period. The bee pollen will be sold to relevant companies who will then use them to
make different products as highlighted in the appendixes section.

Packaging and sale of royal jelly

There will be large Amount of bee royal jelly from each beehive after every
harvesting period. The royal jelly will be sold to relevant companies who will then
use them to make different products as highlighted in the appendixes section.

Packaging and sale of Bee Propolis

There will be large Amount of Bee propolis from each beehive after every harvesting
period. The Bee propolis will be sold to relevant companies who will then use them
to make different products as highlighted in the appendixes section.

Packaging and sale of Bee wax

There will be large Amount of bee wax from each beehive after every harvesting
period. The bee wax will be sold to relevant companies who will then use them to
make different products as highlighted in the appendixes section.

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CONCLUSION
Now beekeeping/apiculture business is a very popular business in Uganda because
it is very easy to operate and relatively small amount of capital is needed to start the
business. Though, with the few existing competitors in the open market, there is a
high chance to succeed because they have failed to fulfill the customers’ demand.
They are also failing to meet the customers need in the perspective of quality honey.
So I think that choosing this business is the right decision

CONCLUSION PICTURE/MAGAZINE SCREEN-SHORT

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FRESH FOOD FARM
APPEDIXES;
Issues highlighted in the appendixes section include the understanding of bee
products and their benefits from theories and history.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:

Understanding of bee products benefits from theories.

Bee Products: Honey, Pollen, Royal Jelly, Propolis and Wax

BEE HONEY

Raw honey is 100 percent unprocessed, meaning it’s pure, natural, unpasteurized
and unadulterated. It retains all the enzymes, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, rich
vitamins, minerals and carbohydrate content in this form. Raw honey and un-
packed honey sells in Gulu honey centre for 9,000/- per kg in a bucket. Honey is
known for:

 Natural sweetener
 Weight loss support
 Helping regulate insulin
 Anti-inflammatory
 Antibacterial power for the skin
 Sore throat remedy
 Local honey my help build immunity to local allergens
 Antioxidant effects
 Healing wounds
 Improved athletic performance


How Much Honey Can One Beehive Produce?

One hive can produce 60 lb (27 kg) or more in a good season, however an average
hive would be around 25 lb (11 kg) surplus.

In the first year, probably nothing - you need to build up the colony. After that, 20-
70lb per year, as long as the area doesn’t have a drought, and you manage your bees
properly. If you neglect them, as my friends did with 2 hives, they may even die in
the first year. If we are unlucky, the same may happen. It all depends on how hard
we try to understand the bees before you start taking their stores.

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How Does The Beekeeper Get The Honey From The Bees?

The queen bee is kept below the upper boxes (called ‘supers’) in the hive by a wire
or plastic grid (called a ‘queen excluder’), which the queen is too large to fit through.
As the bees cannot raise brood above the queen excluder, only honey is stored in the
supers. As the season progresses the beekeeper adds more supers until the time to
harvest the honey. A special one-way valve is then fitted in place of the queen
excluder and gradually all the bees are forced into the lowest part of the hive. The
beekeeper can then simply lift off the ‘super’ boxes containing the honey comb. The
honey is extracted from the comb using centrifugal force in a machine called a
spinner, which looks like an old-fashioned upright spin dryer.

FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT HONEY HARVEST

 Weather (Rain? Drought?)

 Temperature (Too hot, too cold?)
 Hive placement (some locations look good, but turn out bad)
 Hive moments (pollination can supply honey, but some plants produce little
nectar)
 Diseases
 Pests
 Pesticide exposure
 Competition (a nice bee yard will take less if a lot of pollinating hives are
dropped near-by)
 How much honey one leaves for the bees (a very important question)

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WHAT IS POLLEN?

Pollen is the male seed of flowers. It is required for the fertilization of the plant. The
tiny particles consist of 50/1,000-millimeter corpuscles, formed at the free end of
the stamen in the heart of the blossom. Every variety of flowers in the universe puts
forth a dusting of pollen. Many orchard fruits and agricultural food crops do, too.

Bee pollen is the food of the young bee and it is approximately 40% protein. It is
considered one of nature's most completely nourishing foods. It contains nearly all
nutrients required by humans. About half of its protein is in the form of free amino
acids that are ready to be used directly by the body.

Chemical Composition of Bee Pollen

 30 percent digestible carbohydrates

 26 percent sugars (mainly fructose and glucose)
 23 percent protein (including 10 percent of essential amino acids)
 5 percent lipids (including essential fatty acids)
 2 percent phenolic compounds (including flavonoids)
 1.6 percent minerals (including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium,
potassium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, silicon and selenium)
 0.6 percent water-soluble vitamins and acids (including B1, B2, B6 and C)
 0.1 percent fat-soluble vitamins (including vitamins A, E and D)

Pollen is considered an energy and nutritive tonic in Chinese medicine. Cultures

throughout the world use it in a surprising number of applications:

Improving
Aiding recovery from chronic
endurance and Extending longevity
illness
vitality

Adding weight
Reducing cravings and
during Regulating the intestines
addictions
convalescence

Preventing infectious Helping overcome

diseases such as the cold and retardation and other
Building new blood
flu (it has antibiotic type developmental problems in
properties) children

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FRESH FOOD FARM
1. Infertility Problems

Pollen stimulates ovarian function

1. Pollen is also a remedy for hay fever and allergies.

2. Bee Products and Physical Activity

The British Sports Council recorded increases in strength of as high as 40 to 50

percent in those people taking bee pollen regularly.

3. Bee Pollen and Weight Control

Bee pollen works wonders in a weight-control or weight-stabilization regimen by

correcting a possible chemical imbalance in body metabolism that may be involved
in either abnormal weight gain

4. Reduces Inflammation
5. Acts as an Antioxidant

Recent studies have revealed that enzymatic hydrolysates from bee pollen are
beneficial for patients undergoing various diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular
diseases, diabetes and hypertension.

6. Protects Against Liver Toxicity.

7. Boosts the Immune System
8. Serves as a Dietary Supplement

Animal studies suggest that bee pollen can be used as a valuable dietary
supplement.

9. Relieves Menopausal Symptoms

A 2015 study conducted in Germany found that both honey and bee pollen honey
improved menopausal complaints in breast cancer patients on anti-hormonal
treatment. Over two-thirds of the patients who completed the study reported an
improvement in their symptoms.

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10. Helps Relieve Stress

Because of bee pollen’s nutritional and tonic properties, it improves blood supply to
nervous tissue, boosting mental capacity and strengthening the nervous system that
may be weakened by stress. That makes it one of the most effective natural stress
relievers.

11. Promotes Healing

Bee pollen can be used as a topical ointment to speed up the healing process,
especially useful as a home remedy for burn relief.

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BEE ROYAL JELLY BENEFITS

Royal jelly is a milky secretion produced by worker honey bees. It typically contains
about 60% to 70% water, 12% to 15% proteins, 10% to 16% sugar, 3% to 6% fats,
and 2% to 3% vitamins, salts, and amino acids. Its composition varies depending on
geography and climate. This product gets its name from the fact that bees use it for
the development and nurturing of queen bees. Some people use royal jelly as
medicine, but it’s important that you don’t confuse it with bee pollen or bee venom,
as these substances aren’t exactly the same. Here are some of the specific royal jelly
benefits.

1. Boosts Immune System and Counters Allergic Reactions

2. Helps Alzheimer’s Patients

Recent research indicates royal jelly may improve short-term memory because
it’s demonstrated to have a beneficial role on neural functions.

3. Contains Beneficial Probiotics

Royal honey appears to have a valuable effect as a source of bifidobacteria, which is

the beneficial bacteria that supports the health of the gastrointestinal tract, making
it a useful probiotics.

4. Eases Menopausal and Postmenopausal Symptoms

Research shows that taking royal jelly can help reduce menopausal symptoms and
improve feelings of well-being in menopausal women.

5. Improves Collagen Levels for Great Skin

6. Treats Osteoporosis7. Aids in Healing Wounds
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7. Improves Male Infertility

Research published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine evaluated the

protective effect of royal jelly on sperm parameters, testosterone levels and
malondialdehyde production in mice. Sperm count, sperm motility, viability,
maturity and DNA integrity were analyzed in the study. The findings suggest royal
jelly treatments can improve male fertility.
8. Treats Diabetes

9. Helps Decrease Mucositis Symptoms

Studies indicate that royal jelly can aid in the healing time in patients receiving
radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Royal Jelly in summary is also known for:

 Immune system support

 Antibiotic effects
 Kidney, pancreatic and liver disease support
 Healthy skin
 Energy and vitality
 Healing wounds
 Fighting cancer
 Fertility
 Hormone support
 Digestive support
 Bone support
 Diabetic support

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PROFILE OF BEE PROPOLIS, THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS AND OTHER POSSIBLE FINANCIAL
BENEFITS

It’s a natural mixture that honey bees produce by combining their own saliva and
beeswax with exuded substances they collect from tree buds, sap flows and other
botanical sources, propolis. Derived from the Greek meaning “before the city,”
signifying defense from external threat, propolis is a sticky resin collected by bees.
Honeybees collect and metabolize the propolis, then line their hives with it for
protection. The use of propolis has a 5000-year history. The Assyrians and the
Greeks used propolis to help maintain good health. This truly therapeutic substance
not only guards beehives against intruders, but it can also fend off and treat all kinds
of unwanted health conditions.

Propolis serves a huge purpose in the world of honey bees. They use it to seal
undesirable small cracks and gaps in the hive (larger gaps get filled with beeswax).
This is hugely important because if these openings don’t get sealed up properly, the
hive could have some very threatening invaders like snakes and lizards.

When scientists have looked closer at the exact chemical composition of propolis,
they have found that it actually contains over 300 natural compounds, including
amino acids, coumarins, phenolic aldehydes, polyphenols, sequiterpene quinines
and steroids. In general, raw propolis is made up of approximately 50 percent
resins, 30 percent waxes, 10 percent essential oils, 5 percent pollen and 5 percent of
various organic compounds. The interesting thing about propolis, which is also true
for honey, is that its composition is always going to vary depending upon the exact
collection time, collection location and plant sources.

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Health Benefits of Bee Propolis

1. Helps Combat Cancer

2. Treats Candida Symptoms
3. Stops Herpes (Cold Sores) Reproduction
4. Discourage Infection

Researchers have tested propolis against several dangerous microbes, and the
results suggest that propolis is powerful against aggressive bacteria.

5. Natural Antibiotic

People who are taking antibiotics are often advised to take probiotics to aid in the
preservation of good bacteria in the intestines. The isolated acids from propolis
have been shown to be an effective agent against many bacteria, including staph.

6. Minor Burns

In one study, Brazilian propolis was tested against a common prescription cream
used to help burns. The results? The propolis was just as effective. Propolis was
even more soothing for minor burns than the conventional medication.

7. Ear Infections

A compound in propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, has shown effectiveness at

easing inner ear inflammation.

8. Nail Infections

Lab tests examining the use of propolis against fungal nail infections found that
propolis offered a greater range of protection compared to a popularly-prescribed
pharmaceutical. The pharmaceutical product was resistant to seven of the fungi, an
issue not displayed by propolis.

9. Vaginal Herpes

By some accounts, propolis has been found to be more effective than some
pharmaceutical applications against vaginal herpes.

10. Dental Care

Currently, beneficial properties of propolis have suggested its effectiveness at

promoting oral health…even possibly being a natural alternative to fluoride.

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11. Blood Sugar

Studies have shown that propolis may inhibit enzymes that increase blood sugar. It
is believed that the antioxidant compounds in propolis are responsible for its blood
sugar-stabilizing benefits.

12. Carcinogen Fighter

Take this with a grain of salt, but ancient Assyrians would often use propolis to
inhibit tumor growth, and recent research suggests some logic behind this. The
CAPE compounds found in propolis have been shown to hamper cell growth in
cervical and prostate cancer. Certain types of propolis, like the red Brazilian and
brown Cuban, have also been shown to combat compounds that contribute to cancer
cell growth.
USING PROPOLIS
Propolis is often sold in capsule or tincture form, and some natural toothpastes will
contain it instead of fluoride. While many people can safely use propolis as a
complementary approach toward health, some may experience allergic reactions. It
is always best to test a small amount of the mixture in conjunction with careful
physician monitoring before supplementing, especially if you have allergies.

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PROFILE OF BEE WAX, THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS AND OTHER POSSIBLE FINANCIAL
BENEFITS

Here are some uses for beeswax:

1. Batik

Batiking is a method of fabric dyeing in which the fabric not intended to be dyed is
covered with removable wax. The ideal mixture for batik preparation is 30 percent
beeswax and 70 percent paraffin, creating the perfect batik wax mixture.

1. Ukrainian Egg Decorating

A pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk

designs using a wax-resist (batik) method. The word pysanka comes from the verb
pysaty, “to write”, as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax.

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2. Prevent Rust

Coat things like hand tools, cast iron pieces and shovels to prevent them from
rusting out. You can even rub beeswax on the wooden handle of your shovel to help
protect against wear and tear.

3. Cheese Waxing

If you produce your own cheese, beeswax is the best natural cover for cheeses. If the
cheese is wet, you will need to let it dry before applying the hot wax. This is to
ensure a proper seal because wax will not adhere to wet surfaces. Beeswax works
well for sealing the cheese because it has a low melting point.

4. Waxed Thread

Waxed thread is often used in handmade crafts such as hand-sewn leather goods
and making jewelry. The wax on the thread provides lubrication that can make
sewing easier. Plain thread can be rubbed against a cube of bee’s wax, coating the
thread in the wax.

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5. Coating Nails & Screws

Once you coat your nails and screws with beeswax, they do not splinter the wood
while you hammer them in.

6. Wood Lubricant

Rub beeswax on sliding glass doors, windows or drawers that tend to stick to
restore smooth movement. Beeswax is also a fantastic lubricant for oiling very old
furniture joints.

7. Beeswax Crayons

There are many different variations for beeswax crayons, but most use equal weight
amounts of beeswax and white bar soap. Beeswax crayons tend to be harder than
the soy, giving the ability to add more details to pictures.

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8. Envelope Seal

You can make a beeswax seal and apply it to an envelope that you are sending out.
This would be great for an invitation to a wedding or baby shower.

9. Waterproof Shoes and Boots

Rub the beeswax over the entire shoe. Next, use a blow dryer to melt the wax all
over the shoe then let set for about 5 minutes before wearing!

10. Diy shoe polish

Restore leather boots, shoes, pocketbooks, and more with this basic shoe polish
formula. Combine and heat 2 oz of oil and 1/2 oz beeswax until the beeswax is
melted. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 to 1 tsp pigment, adding more for a
darker color. Makes ½ cup, just about what you’d buy in the store. Store in a small
jar

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11. Beeswax for Hair

Beeswax is used as a remedy for dry hair, to help start and maintain dreadlocks and
as a wax for a man’s beard or mustache. Combine & heat equal parts beeswax and
coconut oil. Allow to cool and set. Using small portions at a time, work it into the
mustache. Comb to style.

12. Grease cookie sheets

If you have a block of wax, you can simply rub it over your pans and use it in place of
butter or oil. (Beeswax is edible so this is perfectly safe.) It works best if you warm
the sheet a bit first. You can also melt the wax and apply it that way. Over time the
pan will take on a permanent coat of wax, eliminating the need to grease every time.

13. Make canelés

Beeswax is also traditionally used in making canelés, a small French pastry with a
custard center and a caramelized crust, giving them their crispness and a slight
honey flavor. A coating of beeswax and butter, frozen to the molds before baking,
helps create a protective outer skin that will help protect the shape of the canelés as
they bake.

14. Candles & luminaries

Beeswax candles burn brighter, remove toxins from the air and give off a sweet,
warming honey aroma which gets accentuated when mixed with other essential oils.
Making them is pretty simple, too.

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15. Furniture polish

To make beeswax furniture polish melt 1 T. of grated beeswax, stir in 3 T. of coconut

oil until melted. When this cools and hardens, use a clean cloth to rub it onto your
wood furniture. Then using another cloth, buff the furniture until all residues is
removed.

16. Granite countertop polish

Keep your granite countertops shiny with beeswax. Rub warmed beeswax in, allow
it to dry, and then wipe down to remove any excess. The polish will also help
prevent staining.

17. Reusable food wrap

An alternative to plastic wrap…..make your own beeswax coated cotton

material. The warmth of your hands allows you to mould the beeswax to whatever
shape you want and it stays there. When refrigerated it forms a firm cover to protect
your leftovers.

18. Diy beeswax modelling clay

Modeling clay made from beeswax and plant dyes make a natural and non-toxic
craft. When warmed in your hands to a soft consistency, beeswax modeling clay
easily forms into shapes. To preserve your sculpted creations, let the beeswax cool
and keep it away from heat.

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19. Care for wooden utensils

Make spoon (or board) butter out of mineral oil and natural beeswax. Smooth it into
your spoons, spatulas, boards and bowls. Let them sit for a couple of hours, then rub
down with a clean cloth and return them to normal use.

20. Corrosion Control

Beeswax actually prevents bronze items from getting tarnished. To guard against
oxidation caused by moist air, brush on a solution of 1/3 pound beeswax melted in 1
quart turpentine. Buff it with a towel to create a thin, hard coat. Similarly, you can
seal a copper sink by rubbing it with softened beeswax and polishing off the excess
with a lint-free rag.

21. Homemade Deodorant

I’ve been making my own deodorant for years because it works so much better than
store bought. One of the ingredients I use is beeswax because it helps form a natural
protective moisture barrier. This means it helps avoid sweat stains on clothes
without the need for harmful and unnecessary chemicals.

22. Lotion Bars

I’m biased, but these are the best moisturizers in the world. A perfect combination
of oils, shea butter and beeswax forms a solid soap-like bar that is used on dry skin.
It helps soothe skin, locks in moisture, and even has natural anti-wrinkle properties.

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23. DIY Lip Balms

You can make dozens of homemade beauty products with the same set of simple
ingredients. This lip balm recipe uses the same ingredients as the lotion bars but
with a couple of added ingredients for scent or color.

24. Lotion Bar Sticks

Like the lotion bars above, this recipe uses beeswax, oils and shea or cocoa butter.
This recipe is a modified version that allows it to be used in a deodorant container.
This makes it a little easier to store and apply than the traditional lotion bar.

25. Beeswax Candles

I ditched the scented candles and air fresheners’ years ago. We only use beeswax
candles in our home and they are easy and fun to make yourself. They also make
great homemade gifts for the important people in your life.

26. Homemade Soaps

Beeswax is often added to soap recipes to make the finished soap harder and last
longer. It should only account for up to 2% of your soap recipe.

27. Baby Products

Most babies will have a diaper rash at some point. I make an effort to only use
natural skin care products, but with the new sensitive skin of a baby, I take extra
care to make sure all ingredients are natural and safe. I use beeswax in diaper rash
cream as a thickener and because it provides a protective barrier for the skin while
helping the other beneficial ingredients stay on the skin so they can have a greater
effect on clearing up the rash.

28. Soothe Cracked Heels

A simple salve of beeswax, coconut oil and magnesium makes a great remedy for
cracked heels.

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29. On Cracked Hands

I really believe that almost everything we need to remedy minor ailments is found in
nature. Plantain grows in most yards and is a natural remedy for bites and stings
and even sunburn. Beeswax is a great remedy for cracked hands from gardening or
outdoor work. It also creates a protective barrier to help avoid future damage.

30. Natural Neosporin Alternative

I keep this “boo-boo lotion” on hand to treat scrapes, stings, poison ivy, bruises, and
for any other sort of mild injury my kids manage to get. It works almost as well as
kisses for relief of minor scrapes and boo-boos.

31. Cold and Flu Relief

When any illness strikes, I turn to beeswax based natural remedies. Homemade
natural vapor rub helps when coughing and congestion hit, and this vapor rub can
help to provide some relief without slathering petroleum jelly all over your skin.

Frequent nose blowing during illness can wreak havoc on the tender skin around
your nose. This sore nose soothing balm recipe combines herb-infused oil with
beeswax and shea butter for a healing, nourishing balm.

32. Reusable Food Wraps

DIY Reusable Food Wraps – Heather from Mommypotamus has a great tutorial on
how to make your own reusable food wraps. These have a “cling” that makes them a
wonderful.

Internal Health Benefits of Beeswax

Beeswax has been widely used over the centuries for a number of reasons, most
commonly to make candles, which it is still used for today. In fact, beeswax candles
are thought to be healthier than most, since they don’t produce toxic byproducts
and heavy soot when burned, and they also help neutralize pollutants in the air.

Ancient Egyptians used beeswax to make paint for their artists, and during Roman
times, it was also used as a skin softener. Today scientists are studying beeswax for
its potential to lower cholesterol, relieve pain, and treat digestive ailments. A 2007
study also found that a purified constituent of beeswax may protect liver health
because of the antioxidant effects.
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Benefits to the Skin

The cosmetic industry loves beeswax because not only is it natural and non-toxic, it
provides benefits to the skin and to various types of formulas. It’s a “thickening
agent,” for instance, which means that it can help thicken creams to make them
easier to use and more spreadable on the skin.

Here are some of the more potent benefits of beeswax:

 Protective: When applied to the skin, beeswax forms a protective barrier

that helps protect it from environmental assaults, while also holding in
moisture and reducing dryness. This is one of the reasons beeswax is often
used in lip balms. Unlike ingredients made from petroleum, however,
beeswax doesn’t “suffocate” the skin, and won’t clog pores.
 Humectants: Some ingredients “attract” water, and beeswax is one of them.
When you put it on, you attract water molecules, helping to keep skin
hydrated over time.
 Vitamin A: A good source of this vitamin, beeswax helps exfoliation and can
rejuvenate your look.
 Fragrance: We always say there’s no reason to use harsh chemicals to make
products smell good. Natural ingredients work so much better! Beeswax has a
natural honey fragrance, and is a favorite in soaps and perfumes because of
its pleasant, light aroma.
 Soothes temporary itching: If you suffer from dry skin itching or sensitive
skin, beeswax is for you. Because beeswax is anti-allergenic, it is also easily
tolerated by even those with reactive skin.
 Treats Diaper Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Eczema
 Moisturizes Skin
 Protects the Liver
 Lowers Cholesterol Levels
 Relieves Pain and Is Anti-Inflammatory
 Clears Acne
 Heals Dry, Cracked Lips
 Reduces Stretch Marks
 Treats Jock Itch and Fungal Skin Infections
 Relieves Stress and Promotes Relaxation

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