1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Apiculture (beekeeping) is a traditional practice providing a high number of non-timber forest products.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Apiculture (beekeeping) has been traditionally practiced for at least a century in Cameroon; with forest-based apiculture increasing in the last 2 decades. The ancient art of honey hunting, and the more recent apiculture and its products like honey, wax, propolis, bee venom and royal jelly, are examples of non-timber forest products (NTFP). A number of projects were supporting production and marketing, due to the conservation and development benefits of beekeeping. Beekeeping has low establishment costs and requires little land or labour, and by providing a suitable environment for the hives in a favourable location (i.e. forest with a range of melliferous trees and plants and sufficient water available year round) it is possible to sustainably harvest a range of bee products on an annual basis. For processing of the honey, the honeycomb is filtered and honey can be bottled and sold. Higher value is obtained by packaging and labelling. In Cameroon up to 4 US$/kg can be achieved for good quality honey. It can also be sold for industrial use – for example bakeries, sweets. If combs are washed, the resulting honey-water can be made into wine. Wax needs to be melted and cleaned, and can then be sold ‘raw’ for a price of about 2-6 US$/kg, or further processed into candles, soaps and creams. In Cameroon, the consumer market is expanding and a small, niche export market for high quality, certified organic and fair trade wax, honey and propolis, is emerging. The exports to Europe and the US require quality assurance schemes that entail costs, expertise and collaboration between government and beekeepers. The number of hives per bee-farmer can vary considerably from a few up to 150 hives. Approximately 15 hives can be installed per hectare. Beekeepers can be good ‘guardians of the forests’, because they know that the forest provides both forage and water for the bees, and the water and materials needed to make hives and process apiculture products.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Cameroon

Region/ State/ Province:

Mount Oku region, Mountainous forests of Northwest Cameroon

Further specification of location:

Bui, Boyo, Mezam and Donga Mantung divisions

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• more than 50 years ago (traditional)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• as part of a traditional system (> 50 years)

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• create beneficial economic impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Forest/ woodlands

• Sustainable rainforest management

Products and services:

• Fruits and nuts
• Other forest products

Comments:

Apiculture (beekeeping)
Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Deforestation, Overuse of natural ressources

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• beekeeping, aquaculture, poultry, rabbit farming, silkworm farming, etc.

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

management measures

• M3: Layout according to natural and human environment

Comments:

Main measures: management measures

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

biological degradation

• Bc: reduction of vegetation cover

Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Bc: reduction of vegetation cover

Main causes of degradation: deforestation / removal of natural vegetation (incl. forest fires), over-exploitation of vegetation for domestic use

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.3 Establishment activities

Comments:

Establishing activities: extra information Harvesting of honey combs often done at night to minimize disturbance of the bees Comb washing water can be used in honey beer or wine in lidded buckets / basins or bottles or using as fermentation airlock

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Comments:

Machinery/ tools: machete, axe, knife

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Altitudinal zone: 1501-2000 m a.s.l. (Mountain forests)
Landforms: Also valley floors

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil texture: FIne/heavy (lateritic clay)

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Difference in the involvement of women and men: small to medium scale, very poor to average level of wealth; individuals, groups cooperative or employee; cooperatives are mainly used for marketing products and/ or buying material

Population density: 50-100 persons/km2

Relative level of wealth: average, poor, very poor

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)

Comments:

Land ownership: community forest or individual (titled and not titled)
Land use rights: legal form of community management; many people keep bees by the forest edge on their farms, usually on privately owned land

Land ownership: communal / village, individual, not titled, individual, titled

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Comments:

Unknown sensitivity of bees to climatic extremes; resilience of bees is assumed, but changes in honey quality and quantity depending on forage available with changes in forest cover/ structure

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

Comments:

Initial investment in hives often recouped in 2-5 years, depending on level of production

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

4500 households and 100% of the area covered

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 91-100%

Comments:

100% of land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

4500 land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

There is a strong trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: Established and knowledgeable beekeepers in a community aid dissemination of technology and spontaneous adoption.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them