Beekeeping on a Mixed-Use Plot

 Focus: Honey production, pollination, wax harvesting

Scale: 3–10 hives (ideal for small acreage)
Compatibility: Designed to avoid interference with rabbits, chickens, or dogs

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1. Why Beekeeping Fits Well on the Plot

• Bees need minimal space (a small corner)

• Improves pollination for your fruits and vegetables

• Generates passive income

• Does not interfere with chickens, rabbits, or dogs if hives are well placed

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2. Site Selection – Safe & Effective

Choose a corner with these features:

• At least 15 meters from animal shelters and paths used by people or dogs

• Near nectar-rich plants (fruit trees, herbs, flowers, sugarcane)

• Not exposed to strong wind or full-day sun

• Away from water points used by other animals (to prevent bee aggression)

Recommended Location:
Back edge of the quarter acre, behind a small fence or screen of shrubs or banana plants for separation.

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3. Hive Types

Type	Description	Cost
Langstroth	Modern, high yield, movable frames	KSh 5,000–8,000
Kenya Top Bar Hive (KTBH)	Simple, local materials, easier to manage	KSh 3,500–5,000
Log Hive	Traditional, not recommended for beginners	KSh 1,500–2,500

Recommended: 3–5 Kenya Top Bar Hives for a start

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4. Equipment Needed

Item	Purpose	Cost
Bee suit	Protection	KSh 3,000–5,000
Smoker	Calm bees	KSh 1,500
Hive tool	Opening hive	KSh 500
Bee brush	Handling bees gently	KSh 300
Harvesting knife/bucket	Honey extraction	KSh 500–1,000

5. Bees and Colonization

Option	Details	Cost
Baiting swarms	Leave hives in strategic spots	Free
Buying colonized hive	From an experienced beekeeper	KSh 4,000–7,000 per hive

Tip: Use bait like melted beeswax and lemon balm oil to attract wild swarms

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6. Planting for Bees (Bee Forage)

Boost honey production and colony health by planting:

Plant	Value
Sunflowers	Rich nectar source
Rosemary	Year-round blooming
Calliandra	Great bee tree, nitrogen fixer
Citrus trees	High nectar + fruit
Napier & sugarcane	Moisture attracts bees, edges for protection
Passionfruit & watermelon	Pollination + nectar

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7. Management Practices

Task	Frequency
Hive inspection	Every 10–14 days
Harvesting honey	2–3 times/year
Smoking during checks	Always use a smoker
Replacing combs	Annually or as needed
Cleaning hives	After each harvest
Preventing swarming	Harvest excess honey, split colonies

Avoid disturbing hives during early morning or dusk. Ensure children, dogs, and chickens do not pass near.

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8. Harvesting Honey

Stage	Activity
Ready combs	Capped with wax
Harvesting	Cut combs carefully or extract if using Langstroth
Straining/filtering	Use sieve or cheesecloth
Bottling	Clean jars with labels for sale
Wax	Can be collected, cleaned, and sold or reused

9. Income Potential

Product	Price (KSh)	Quantity/year (per hive)	Total from 5 hives
Raw honey	800–1,200 per litre	10–15L	KSh 40,000–75,000
Wax	KSh 400/kg	1–2 kg	KSh 2,000–4,000

Bees will also improve fruit and crop yields through pollination (especially passion, pomegranate, watermelon).

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10. Integration with Other Animals

Animal	Risk	Solution
Rabbits	None	Keep hives fenced off
Chickens	None	May help by eating dead bees
Dogs	May get stung if near hive	Use hedges/fence to keep 15–20m distance

11. Project Cost Estimate (For 5 Hives)

Item	Quantity	Cost (KSh)
5 KTB hives	@ KSh 4,000	20,000
Bee suit, smoker, tools	Set	5,000 – 7,000
Fencing/shrub barrier	Simple setup	3,000
Bee baiting supplies	Wax, lemon balm	500
Miscellaneous (buckets, labels)	-	2,000

Total Estimate: KSh 30,000 – 35,000

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12. Final Tips

• Start with 3–5 hives, expand later

• Bees don’t need daily care, just routine inspections

• Avoid pesticides or herbicides on your farm—they harm bees

• Sell honey locally via shops, markets, or online