Supply, Installation, Training, and Maintenance of Apiary Equipment and Systems (Including Beehives, Protective Gear, Honey Extraction Equipment, etc

**1.0 INTRODUCTION**

Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa is an international civil society organization working to transform markets and make supply chains more sustainable and inclusive. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, implements programmes across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Solidaridad works with smallholder farmers, producer organizations, private sector actors, and governments to promote sustainable agricultural production systems, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive economic development.

Solidaridad is currently implementing the Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project, which aims to improve resilience, yields, income and service access for small scale food producers with a focus on women and youth, by helping them adopt climate smart agriculture (CSA) and strengthening market connections, emphasizing gender and social inclusion.

Under this project, Solidaridad seeks to procure, supply, install, and support the establishment of apiaries through provision of modern beehives and associated beekeeping equipment in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties.

**2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND**

The Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project aims to strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods among farming communities in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The project promotes climate-smart and nature-based enterprises that enhance household incomes while supporting environmental conservation.

Beekeeping has been identified as a viable complementary livelihood activity due to its low water requirements, environmental benefits, and income-generation potential. The intervention seeks to promote sustainable apiculture through establishment of community apiaries equipped with modern langstroth hives and harvesting equipment.

The project intends to support the establishment of apiaries across selected sites in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties through provision of branded modern langstroth hives, hive stands, harvesting kits, and farmer training.

**3.0 ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVE**

**3.1 Overall Objective**

The overall objective of this assignment is to supply, install, and support establishment of apiaries through provision of seventy-six (76) modern langstroth beehives, associated equipment, and training of beneficiaries in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties.

**3.2 Specific Objectives**

The assignment specifically seeks to:

1. Supply and install modern branded langstroth beehives and hive stands at identified apiary sites.
2. Promote sustainable apiculture as an alternative livelihood enterprise.
3. Strengthen household resilience and income diversification.
4. Build capacity of beneficiaries on modern beekeeping practices, apiary management, sustainable harvesting, and safety procedures.
5. Support environmental conservation and pollination services within farming systems.

**4.0 SCOPE OF WORK**

The successful consultant/firm shall undertake the following tasks:

**4.1 Supply and Installation**

Supply, transport, and install beekeeping materials and equipment including:

Apiary Components

1. Seventy-six (76) branded modern langstroth beehives (with bottom board, brood box, retractable entrance, plastic/wooden queen excluder, super box, temperature regulation board and ventilated cover).
2. Seventy-six (76) metallic hive stands (4.5 feet long).
3. Nineteen (19) branded harvesting kits each comprising of:

- Two (2) bee suit sets and gloves;
- One (1) stainless steel hive tool;
- One (1) bee brush;
- Two (2) pairs of rubber gumboots;
- One (1) smoker;
- One (1) beekeeper’s bag.

1. Installation and positioning of hives at designated apiary sites.
2. Branding of hives and associated materials as per Solidaridad visibility requirements.

**4.2 Installation Requirements**

The consultant/firm shall:

1. Conduct site assessments prior to installation.
2. Ensure proper spacing and positioning of hives according to recommended apiculture standards.
3. Install hive stands securely and appropriately above ground level.
4. Ensure apiary locations promote hive safety, accessibility, and productivity.
5. Provide guidance on environmental considerations and colony establishment.

**4.3 Training and Capacity Building**

The consultant/firm shall conduct a 3-day practical training workshop for 3 Trainer of Trainers (ToTs) from each of the 19 beneficiary apiary groups. The training will cover the following areas:

1. Introduction to modern beekeeping;
2. Apiary establishment and management;
3. Hive inspection and maintenance;
4. Colony composition and management;
5. Honey harvesting and post-harvest handling;
6. Pest and disease management;
7. Occupational health and safety during beekeeping activities;
8. Marketing and value addition opportunities.

At least 20 beneficiaries p