Analysis Of Quality And Origin Attributes Of Kenyan Honey For Geographical Indication Labelling In West Pokot, Baringo And Kitui Counties

Abstract

GENERAL ABSTRACT African countries have potential for adding market value to their unique origin products similar to how the European Union create additional monetary value from agricultural origin products protected with Geographical Indications (GI). Registering origin products with GI creates an opportunity to foster economic growth and build livelihoods of rural communities while stewarding the natural environment. Producers of Kenyan honey can gain additional benefits from their unique products, however, the prospects for protecting the honey with GI have not been explored. Information on quality and origin attributes which can facilitate GI labelling of Kenyan honey have not been documented. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) assess the suitability of honey from West Pokot, Baringo and Kitui Counties for GI labelling; (2) determine the physicochemical and melissopalynological parameters of honey from West Pokot, Baringo and Kitui Counties; (3) determine the diversity and frequency of visitors of Acacia brevispica and extent of pollination by honey bees in Kitui County; (4) determine factors influencing collective action among producers of honey from West Pokot, Baringo and Kitui Counties; and (5) evaluate existing value addition initiatives enhancing recognition of territorial traits of honey from West Pokot, Baringo and Kitui Counties. This study was carried out in West Pokot, Baringo and Kitui Counties, Kenya. Methods used in data collection included; literature review, interviews with various actors in the honey subsector and representatives from other organizations supporting honey production, household surveys, field observations and honey analysis. Results showed that West Pokot, Baringo and Kitui honey have potential for protection with GI mainly based on their specificity and quality traits which are closely linked to the natural xviii environment (floral sources) in the area of production and producer know-how. Eighteen out of 21 honey samples analysed in this study had all parameter values within the limits set in the East African Standards for honey, Codex Alimentarius Standards for honey and the European Union directive for honey. Pollen analysis showed a total of 29 pollen types in the honey samples analysed and Acacia spp. was the predominant pollen type in 4 of the 21 honey samples. Findings of this study also showed that honey bees were the most frequent flower visitors and pollinator of A. brevispica. Acacia pollen was the predominant pollen type in all the honey samples collected within the study area where bees visiting A. brevispica were observed. This showed a link between pollination of A. brevispica and honey production. Honey bees provide pollination services to A. brevispica for the return of pollen and nectar for the production of honey. Factors determining collective action, include experience in beekeeping, distance from farms to the honey processing centre, education level, number of hives owned, use of modern hives, GI awareness (awareness of link between product quality and production region), production of honey with origin linked attributes and access to information on production and value addition of honey. Results showed that initiatives undertaken by actors within and outside the honey sub-sector play a great role in enhancing recognition of territorial or local traits of the Kenyan honey, which are important aspects in GI registration of products. However, prospects for protecting Kenyan honey with GI are hampered by inadequate support by institutional and legal framework. Findings of this study will inform development and operationalization of infrastructure, programs, policies and other institutional frameworks which are essential in enhancing capacity of honey producers for protection of origin products with GI. Further, results are xix useful to Counties seeking to ensure economic growth from local natural resources while enhancing their protection. Key Words: Geographical Indications, Origin products, Honey, Melissopalynological analysis, Physicochemical analysis, Collective action, Pollination service, Value addition initiatives, West Pokot, Baringo and Kitui Counties