Beekeeping Expert - Kwale

Role Overview

The Beekeeping Expert will lead the technical coordination and implementation of all project activities related to the beekeeping component of the AGROBLUE Project. Working in close collaboration with CEFA staff, local partners, and the beekeeper consultant, the expert will provide high-level technical guidance to targeted groups and ensure that all interventions are technically sound, climate-resilient, and aligned with the project's strategic objectives and work plan.

Project Summary

The project AGROBLUE - Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Blue Economy in Kenya is a 36-month initiative implemented in four sub-counties (Galole, Tana Delta, Msambweni, and Lunga Lunga) within the counties of Kwale and Tana River, Kenya. The project is implemented by a consortium of partners with extensive experience in resilient agricultural models and the blue economy, led by Action Against Hunger (ACF) in collaboration with the European Committee for Training and Agriculture (CEFA), MWARP, and the Politecnico di Milano. The initiative works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health to ensure institutional sustainability and long-term impact.

The project is committed to increasing food security, income, and resilience to food crises through an integrated, climate-smart, and gender-sensitive approach. It aims to overcome barriers such as low productivity, high post-harvest losses, and limited economic participation of women by providing farmers and fishermen with necessary tools, technologies, and knowledge.

Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Support & Mentorship

• Supervise the implementation of all beekeeping activities in close coordination with the Project Officer/Project Manager, consultants, and project staff.
• Conduct regular field visits to provide technical support to beekeeping groups, covering colony management, queen identification, pest/disease control, and harvesting.
• Conduct regular technical audits of installed apiaries to monitor colony health and colonization rates. Identify reasons for low colonization and implement immediate, sustainable corrective measures.
• Build the capacity of the beekeeping farmers on hygiene practices, consumer education sessions, and product marketing advertisement techniques.
• Provide direct on-site assistance and supplementary capacity building to groups when needed.
• Ensure that infrastructure (hives and equipment) is being used correctly and maintained by the community.
• Propose and execute technical solutions tailored to the specific micro-climates of Tana River and Kwale, ensuring beekeeping practices are adapted to local bee behavior and seasonal forage availability.
• Develop and submit detailed, punctual work plans to the Project Officer/Project Manager.
• Support the design of effective implementation methods and concepts to ensure long-term strategic impact.
• Proactively consult with the Project Officer/Project Manager on challenges related to activity design or implementation, proposing timely and effective solutions.

Training Coordination & Quality Assurance

• Supervise technical consultants during training sessions and monitor their delivery to ensure it addresses practical field realities.
• Oversee the quality and effectiveness of all beekeeping training events and evaluate group performance post-session.
• Identify remaining technical gaps or emerging needs following training sessions.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Track activity progress against approved work plans and indicators, ensuring adoption of modern, sustainable, climate-smart techniques.
• Provide regular technical reports on hive productivity, colony health, and target achievement.
• Conduct continuous M&E on the effectiveness of beekeeping training for farmers.
• Assist in maintaining and submitting all documentation related to project implementation and reporting.