Livelihoods-conservation initiatives: Evidence of socio-economic impacts from organic honey production in Mwingi, Eastern Kenya

Musinguzi, Peter; Bosselmann, Aske Skovmand; Pouliot, Mariève

doi:10.1016/j.forpol.2018.09.010

Cited by 28 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 75 publications

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“…Production of low quality honeys in Kitui could be a result of limited capacity and lack of implementation of regulations governing honey production, processing, packaging, and storage. Also, findings from a study conducted at a honey processing and marketing centre in Kitui, i.e., Mwingi honey market place, where the three honey samples were collected revealed that honeys of uncertain quality were sourced from brokers and other individual producers outside the production region due to low production of honeys by the authorized producers within the study region [53]. Since results of this study showed that some of the honey samples from Kitui were of good quality, it could be likely that the problem in the low quality honeys is as a result of poor processing, handling, or storage by producers and brokers where the honeys were sourced by the processing centre.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of Kenyan Honeys Based on Their Physicochemical Properties, Botanical and Geographical Origin

Warui

Hansted²,

Gikungu

et al. 2019

International Journal of Food Science

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Properties and composition of honey are essential in providing information regarding their quality as well as in their differentiation based on production region characteristics, e.g., floral sources. This paper presents physicochemical properties and floral sources (botanical origin) of 21 honey samples obtained from arid and semiarid areas of Kenya, specifically, West Pokot, Baringo, and Kitui Counties. Physicochemical parameters which were analyzed to determine honey quality included moisture content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), diastase activity, free acidity, and electrical conductivity. Values of these parameters were compared with those of the existing local, regional, and international standards for honey. Melissopalynological analysis (pollen analysis) was also carried out to provide information on botanical origin of the honeys. Results showed mean parameter values of moisture, 16.34%; HMF, 23.28 mg/kg; diastase activity, 10.67 Schade units; free acidity, 22.95 meq/kg; and electrical conductivity, 0.40 mS/cm. Free acidity and electrical conductivity values of honey samples obtained from West Pokot were significantly lower than the values of honeys from Baringo and Kitui. Eighteen (18) honey samples had all parameter values within the limits set in the East African, Codex Alimentarius, and the European Union directive standards for honey. Results also showed a total of 29 pollen types in the honey samples analyzed, and Acacia spp. was the predominant pollen type in 4 of the 21 honey samples. Findings of this study showed that Kenyan origin honeys can tap into the existing regional and international markets based on their quality which can be attributed to their botanical origin. Results of this study also suggested that honey producers have undertaken appropriate measures in honey harvesting, processing, handling, and storage. However, there is a need to build capacity of producers whose honey were of unacceptable quality. This would involve training on proper honey production, processing, and handling practices as well establishment of honey collection and processing centres at the local level in order to improve honey quality. This will enhance access to existing honey markets. Conservation of bee floral sources would also be needed to maintain honey quality.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of Kenyan Honeys Based on Their Physicochemical Properties, Botanical and Geographical Origin

Warui

Hansted²,

Gikungu

et al. 2019

International Journal of Food Science

Self Cite

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“…It remains to be fully determined the extent to which the above activities have a high-value status. Despite being considered as a potentially high-income livelihood diversification activity [69][70][71], and a strong incentive for forest conservation [72,73], studies still show that bee-keeping accounts for minor household incomes. This could be linked to the limited value addition and income benefits derived from the activity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring Livelihood Diversification and Forest Conservation Choices: Insights from Rural Cameroon

Kimengsi

Pretzsch

Kechia

et al. 2019

Forests

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While forests’ contribution to rural livelihoods has been unearthed scientifically, the patterns, determinants and forest conservation policy implications of livelihood diversification still beg for more scientific and policy edification. This paper makes a contribution in this regard, using household data (N = 200) from eight villages around the Kilum-Ijim Forest Landscape of Cameroon. The ordinary least square and the logit model are used to explore the determinants of livelihood diversification and the likelihood of forest dependence, respectively. The diversification patterns were analysed using a simple t-test, and the multinomial logit for conservation choices. We find that forest-related activities are a source of livelihood diversification for 63% of households, with non-timber forest products (NTFP) domestication (31%) and medicinal plant extraction (30%) being the most preferred. For non-forest activities, migration is the most preferred diversification strategy. Generally, households with favourable socio-economic status prefer non-forest to forest activities for livelihood diversification. The regression estimates indicate that older respondents are more likely to depend on the forest than the young, whereas males and individuals with at least some secondary education are less likely than their respective counterparts to rely on the forest. The results also suggest those who participated in training, educated household heads and older individuals are significantly more likely to choose high-valued diversification strategies. Concerning conservation activities, households with favourable socio-economic status are on average less likely to adopt NTFP domestication and more likely to adopt bee-keeping as a conservation choice. The results suggest the need for policy considerations to: (i) effectively integrate women in forest management processes, (ii) intensify trainings for conservation-friendly diversification approaches, (iii) regulate unclean energy use and (iv) encourage value chain improvement for conservation-friendly products.

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“…Individualistic approaches to business [107,132] and a lack of technical or business skills and particular limited market knowledge are further constraints for NTFP processing enterprises, which may lead to bargaining power remaining with downstream actors [88,97]. Collective NTFP commercialization via associations or cooperatives may not always lead to price premiums, often due to organizational constraints within the cooperatives and mismanagement, discouraging further participation of smallholders [84,85,98,146,159]. Collective entrepreneurial capacity and contribution to household economy may vary significantly depending on organizational setup [170,171].…”

Section: Enterprise Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Processing of Non-Timber Forest Products through Small and Medium Enterprises—A Review of Enabling and Constraining Factors

Meinhold

Darr

2019

Forests

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Research Highlights: This study reviews the available literature on processed non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in order to comprehensively identify relevant factors enabling or constraining their potential to contribute to rural development. Background and Objectives: NTFPs, such as wild foods, medicinal plants, and raw materials for handicrafts, make significant contributions to rural livelihoods. NTFPs can help fulfil households' subsistence and consumption needs, serve as a safety-net in times of crises, and provide cash income. In particular, the processing of NTFPs has often been suggested to positively influence sustainable economic development in rural areas. However, despite rising interest and recognition of the potential contributions of such industries as key sources of employment and their strategic role in overall growth strategies of developing countries, many NTFP processing enterprises remain in the informal sector and an in-depth understanding of the underlying factors is lacking. This review aims to identify enabling and constraining factors affecting NTFP processing enterprises. Materials and Methods: Using systematic review methodology, studies investigating commercialized, processed NTFPs and their economic impacts have been identified and the current evidence base with regard to NTFP processing and small and medium sized enterprise (SME) development synthesized. Results: Despite the diverse nature of NTFPs, a number of constraining and enabling factors affecting NTFP processing and commercialization were identified. The former includes aspects such as the lack of resource access (finances, skills, technologies, etc.), market information, and basic infrastructure; the latter, amongst others, the role of key entrepreneurs; and cooperation across the value chain, amongst producers, and among members of the institutional environment or an abundant resource base. Moving from small-scale NTFP commercialization in local markets to more mature NTFP value chains reaching export markets, the increasing role of cooperation and having a supportive institutional framework in place, becomes apparent. Conclusions: Overall, successful NTFP processing strongly depends on the socio-economic and environmental context in question, requiring a holistic approach tailored to the respective context and value chain.

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Livelihoods-conservation initiatives: Evidence of socio-economic impacts from organic honey production in Mwingi, Eastern Kenya

Cited by 28 publications

References 75 publications

Characterization of Kenyan Honeys Based on Their Physicochemical Properties, Botanical and Geographical Origin

Characterization of Kenyan Honeys Based on Their Physicochemical Properties, Botanical and Geographical Origin

Measuring Livelihood Diversification and Forest Conservation Choices: Insights from Rural Cameroon

The Processing of Non-Timber Forest Products through Small and Medium Enterprises—A Review of Enabling and Constraining Factors

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