Following on from the success of the existing projects, we would like to start another beekeeping and honey production project nearby in a village in Panauti to support 15 single ladies – widows and single mothers – so that they may support themselves and their families; about 40 people will benefit in all. These are some of the poorest people in the vicinity and they do not have regular incomes. In order to survive they get occasional work on local farms and are given a meal for three hours work or perhaps a small amount of money. They have very unfortunate circumstances and this project will help them gain some dignity and empower them to make changes in their lives. In the first year of the project we expect each person to gain approximate £10 per month. After approximately six months, as more hives are added, their income will rise to a more respectable level.

We will provide training from an experienced beekeeper and start-up needs such as hives, protective clothing, bees, smokers etc. We have assessed the market and there are plenty of opportunities to sell in the local vicinity. As we have seen with ladies working together, we expect a cooperative environment, with members of the group supporting each other and other local people.

We have assessed the costs and potential profits:

Costs

Training - 15,000 NPR

Equipment – 15,000 NPR

13 Hives with bees – 130,000 NPR

Total - 160,000NPR equivalent to £950

Income

Approximately 20kg of honey per annum per hive @ 1000 NPR per kg = 20,000 NPR per annum per hive

ie Profit per hive = £115 per annum

Plus potential sales from pollen and beeswax

We expect that, over time, the group will grow their income with assistance from the local NGO, providing a better quality of life for the group and their families.