Over 700 farmers supported in beekeeping

AWS Foods has emerged as a vital player in strength­ening Eswatini’s honey value chain by empowering over 700 local honey farmers across the kingdom. Through its part­nerships and hands-on support, the company is not only creating market opportunities, but also addressing barriers that have long prevented small-scale farmers from reaching their full potential.

According to AWS Foods Man­ager, Khanyisile Mamba, while the number of farmers they work with has grown gradually over the years, growth has been below potential due to critical challenges faced by farmers.

“The biggest barrier is lack of ca­pacity to acquire beehives and the necessary accessories required,” she explained.

To help overcome these challeng­es, AWS Foods provides farmers with technical support to improve production and maintain quality stand­ards.

STANDARDS

This includes training in hive construction, hive inspections, har­vesting and post-har­vest management to ensure that honey del ivered to the market meets the highest standards.

Fairbene ­fit-sharing with farmers remains centra l to AWS Foods’ operations.

“One of the best ways to help farm­ers benefit fairly from the partner­ship is to walk with them all the way,” said Mamba. This approach starts with training and technical assistance and extends to guaranteed market access through signed off take agree­ments. Farmers are assured of the selling price in advance and payments are made within 48 hours via MTN Mobile Mon­ey, eliminating the need for bank accounts or trav­el to AWS Foods offices.

AWS Foods has also positioned itself as the larg­est retail honey brand in Eswatini, supplying major outlets such as Pick n Pay, OK Foods, Spar, Boxer and Ruchi Wholesalers.

Beyond this, the com­pany is actively exploring sustain­able initiatives to broaden par­ticipation in the honey industry. Mamba revealed that AWS Foods is inviting corporate partners to collaborate on improving access to beehives for rural farmers through their corporate social investment budgets.

“This type of partnership pro­vides a sustainable way to help rural poor families out of poverty by giving them a hand up to be active in a viable value chain, thus creating jobs and strengthening the local economy,” she noted.

AWS Foods says that by combin­ing technical support, fair trade practices and market access, they are not only securing a steady sup­ply of high-quality honey but also transforming livelihoods across Eswatini.

For more information, please contact AWS Food at 7692 2780.