My journey establishing Lalibela Honey to promote the value addition of bee products for various cosmetic and therapeutic uses.
I grew up with bees and have always been fascinated by their importance in our ecosystem. The field of nutrition I have studied has shown me the potential benefits of bee products beyond just honey, and I am excited to explore the possibilities in Lalibela. Lalibela’s honey production has the potential to provide a sustainable source of income for the community, offering an alternative to tourism.
After I started the “Lalibela Honey” brand, I empowered local beekeepers and added value with the production, packaging, and marketing of honey. The brand will honor our tradition and showcase the unique flavors of the region, further solidifying Lalibela’s reputation as a hub for sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation.
I had the opportunity to attend two complimentary trainings on basic beekeeping and the value addition of hive products in Kenya. Additionally, I have visited some of the largest honey companies, such as Savana Honey and Apiculture Venture. These important trainings and visits have provided me with valuable insights into the potential impact of honey production on local economies and the environment.
Through these experiences, I have gained a skill in the value addition of hive products like propolis extraction, wax processing, and bee venom collection. These fundamental procedures are very important to produce organic cosmetic products like soap, shampoo, conditioner, body cream, shoe polish, and lip balms. In addition, infusion of spices with honey, honey cerate, propolis suspension, tincture, and bee venom preparation are very important apitherapy purposes. I got all these important skills in my stay at the Kenya National Beekeeping Institute and honey companies. Currently, I am also attending an apitherapy course in the International Federation of Apitherapy.
With those skills I got, I am expanding Lalibela honey products to include a wider range of organic cosmetic products and apitherapy treatments. This expansion will help the local economy grow sustainably and give young people over 20 new job opportunities. I planned to have a large-scale demonstration, training, and marketing center for nearby beekeepers.
I want to thank PBF for seeing those possibilities and helping me make my dream come true by working with me to help my community. I am excited to continue working towards my goal of empowering my community through sustainable economic growth and job creation.
Getachew Sale