Help 35 Families Become Self-Sufficient with Honey

The beekeeping project has been delayed by the unavailability of the expert apiculturist originally retained to provide technical assistance to members of the Beekeeping Association of Southern Haiti (SASH). The consultant retained for the project became unavailable having accepted a full time position with an international NGO. Lambi Fund’s staff is currently interviewing the very few Creole-speaking candidates available and should make a decision about a new consultant by the end of August. Lambi Fund will then conduct the workshops and the organization will acquire the bees and tools needed to successfully implement the project.

What has been accomplished:

Prior to her unavailability, the apiculturist oversaw the construction of 30 frame boxes. A total of 60 boxes will be built for honey production. A frame box contains about 10 frames. A frame consists of traditionally been four pieces of wood that fit together to hold a sheet of honeycomb within a beehive.

What remains to be done:

Training: The departure of the apiculturist has delayed the project’s implementation since it cannot proceed without the workshops. Members of the organization have a long history of beekeeping and honey making. They are very eager to get started and have been urging the Lambi Fund to forgo the training requirement. Although Lambi Fund staff acknowledges the fact that they are indeed experienced bee keepers, staff stands by the decision to wait until a consultant is retained to proceed with the workshops.

Frames: as stated earlier 30 frames have been built, 30 more will be added following the workshops.

Bee smoker: A bee smoker will be acquired. It is a tool used by beekeepers to blow smoke into a beehive before inspecting, manipulating or handling the hive. Smoke is directed into the beehive to keep the bees from attacking the beekeeper.

Bees: Bees will be purchased once the workshops are conducted.