Organic Beekeeping Booms in Taita Taveta as Farmers Shift to Chemical-Free Honey

In the semi-arid hills of Taita Taveta County, organic beekeeping is quickly gaining ground. Farmers in Mwatate and Wundanyi have formed cooperative groups focusing on chemical-free apiculture to tap into the growing local and international demand for pure, residue-free honey.

What Makes it Organic?

• Hives are placed far from farms that use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
• Bees feed on wildflowers, acacia, and moringa—natural sources of nectar
• Hive maintenance avoids synthetic materials and toxic wood preservatives

The initiative, supported by Bioversity International and local NGOs, has trained over 600 farmers in hive management, organic certification standards, and sustainable harvesting techniques.

Market Demand and Economic Impact:

• Organic honey fetches 30–40% higher prices compared to conventional honey
• Products now available in organic shops in Nairobi and on online platforms
• Cooperatives are exporting to niche markets in the EU and Middle East

Additionally, the bees help improve pollination rates for nearby fruit orchards and vegetables, offering a dual benefit to surrounding farms.

The project aligns with Kenya’s national strategy for organic agriculture and biodiversity conservation, creating new income streams while preserving the ecosystem.