CONSULTANCY TO DEVELOP BUSINESS PLAN FOR NATURE-BASED INITIATIVE – BEE KEEPING ENTERPRISE

The objective of the assignment

The objective of this consultancy service is to develop a comprehensive business plan for beekeeping initiatives targeting the local beekeeping groups and members of the Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association. The business plan should outline strategies for establishing and operating successful beekeeping enterprises within the conservancies/ranches and the county at large while integrating principles of sustainability, community engagement, and conservation

Scope of Work:

This assignment will be undertaken in the larger Tsavo Conservation area (Taita Taveta County) specific target of 35 ranches. However, the scoping for the market is not limited to the geography under consideration. The consultancy work will include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

 Conduct a situational analysis of the beekeeping sector within the Taita Taveta county including market dynamics, existing initiatives, and potential challenges and opportunities.

 Reviewing existing beekeeping practices within the TTWCA membership and identifying areas for improvement.

Assess the feasibility of beekeeping as a nature-based enterprise for TTWCA members and local beekeeping groups considering factors such as resource availability, market demand, and regulatory frameworks.

 Identify suitable beekeeping techniques and technologies that are appropriate for the local context and align with conservation practices.

 Develop a detailed business model for beekeeping enterprises, including production processes, marketing strategies, financial projections, and risk management plans.

 Explore the current value chain of beekeeping and resultant products with the aim of improving it under different investment scenarios.

 Propose new marketing procedures or potential markets that would guarantee farmers value for the bee products.

 Outline capacity-building needs for TTWCA members and local groups interested in engaging in beekeeping activities, including training requirements and support services.

 Propose mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the success of beekeeping initiatives in achieving conservation and livelihood objectives.

Expected Deliverables:

The consultancy will deliver the following key outputs:

 Situational analysis report on the beekeeping sector within Taita Taveta County.

 Feasibility study report assessing the viability of beekeeping as a nature-based enterprise for TTWCA members and the local community.

 Comprehensive business plan for beekeeping initiatives, including all required components as outlined in the scope of work.

 Training materials and capacity-building recommendations for TTWCA members and local communities interested in beekeeping.

 Final consultancy report summarizing the methodology, findings, and recommendations

Timeline

The consultant is expected to complete the work within 60 days from the commencement date.

Required Skills, Experience, and Competencies

The consultancy team should possess the following qualifications and expertise:  Demonstrated 7 years of experience in developing business plans for naturebased enterprises, preferably in the conservation or natural resource management sectors.  animal health, Natural resource management, and/or related field.  At least 6 years experience in beekeeping and knowledge of best practices in apiculture.  A deep understanding of nature-based enterprises, including sustainable resource management, eco-friendly practices, and the integration of nature conservation into business models  Proven experience in designing and delivering training programs and workshops, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and create interactive learning experiences.