In the heart of Sigomere village, Ugunja sub-county, Siaya County, the steady hum of bees signals a new kind of agricultural revolution.
Joseph Omondi, a visionary farmer, has embraced commercial beekeeping as a sustainable business and a tool to combat climate change in a region traditionally dominated by crop farming.
“I started in 2017 with just two beehives,” Omondi recalled. adding, “I wanted something different from maize and vegetables, which depend heavily on rain. Beekeeping needs less water, land, and labour.”
His first harvest of 20 kilograms of honey encouraged him to expand, and today, he manages 50 Langstroth hives producing over 300 kilograms of honey per season.
Omondi’s decision to venture into beekeeping was driven by a desire for sustainability and diversification. “Farming here depends on unpredictable rainfall,” he explained. “Beekeeping thrives even during dry spells because bees forage widely for nectar.”
His farm has become a local success story, attracting aspiring farmers and agricultural extension officers.
Climate change, however, has posed challenges. Rising temperatures and shifting flowering seasons have affected honey production. To counter these challenges, Omondi has adopted innovative beekeeping methods, including planting drought-resistant flowering plants like sunflowers and moringa around his farm to ensure a year-round nectar supply.
“I also use modern hive designs that regulate temperatures better; during hotter months, I provide water points near the apiary to keep the bees hydrated,” he shared.
His efforts have boosted honey production even during tough seasons, ensuring a consistent supply to his growing customer base.
Margaret Anyango, a honey reseller from Ugunja town, has built her business around Omondi’s quality products. “I buy honey from him because it’s pure and trusted. Customers prefer it because of its natural taste and medicinal properties,” she said.
Anyango now supplies honey to several markets within Siaya County, crediting Omondi’s steady deliveries for her success.
Beekeeping has become a family enterprise for Omondi. His wife processes beeswax into candles and skincare products, adding value and diversifying income streams. “Nothing goes to waste here,” Omondi noted proudly.
His success has inspired young graduates like Evans Odimo, who recently completed a degree in environmental science. Struggling to find formal employment, Odimo turned to beekeeping after visiting Omondi’s apiary during a community training session.
“Beekeeping is practical and sustainable,” Odimo said. “I realised I could start small with a few hives while applying what I learnt about environmental conservation.” He noted, adding that he plans to establish his apiary and hopes to use modern hive technology to maximise production.
Despite the promise, beekeeping has its hurdles. Omondi has faced hive theft, bee diseases, and competition from low-quality, adulterated honey in the market. “Sometimes, people sell fake honey at lower prices, which hurts our business,” he lamented.
To combat this, Omondi has joined a local beekeeping cooperative, which helps market products and train farmers on best practices. “We need quality standards and certified labels to build customer trust,” he emphasised.
Looking ahead, Omondi says he plans to build a honey processing plant to package and brand his products professionally. He also envisions starting a training centre to mentor young farmers like Odimo.
“Beekeeping can transform lives, but farmers need the right skills and tools,” he stated.
Margaret Anyango is equally excited about this prospect. “If he processes honey locally, I can sell branded products that fetch better prices. It will help all of us grow,” she pointed out.
For Evans Odimo, beekeeping represents more than just a business. “It is about sustainability and creating jobs. With climate change affecting crops, bees are essential for our future,” he explained.
Joseph Omondi’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of sustainable farming in tackling climate challenges while creating economic empowerment.
By Calvin Otieno
