Value Chains research report Tajikistan final - Microfinance Centre

Beekeepers’ associations. These organizations exist in each district. They are also
present at regional and national level. The work of these associations at a higher level is
minimal, but at the district level some of the associations are very active. Management and
coordination of beekeeping activities leave a lot to be desired. The government provides
little to no support to beekeepers’ associations and communities, or to the beekeepers
themselves. Associations largely play a formal role and do not help solve the problems
faced by beekeepers. Though bee-keepers associations was developed for working and
implementation following functions and objectives:
- to facilitate bank linkage of member associations
- to develop the market for honey
- to train and build the capacity of beekeepers
- to supply inputs to beekeepers in the region and other agencies outside the state
- to follow up with relevant authorities to enable the registration of beekeepers’ associations
- to engage in policy advocacy, such as addressing the sales tax issue
- publication of a beekeepers’ directory.
The primary role of the associations is to support members through the collective sale of
honey.
Service providers
• Providers of beekeeping inputs: include makers of wooden bee hives and wax foundation
sheets; suppliers of bee colonies, and sellers of medicines for the control of bee diseases.
• Banks and MFIs: provide loans for beekeepers and input suppliers.
• Moneylenders: informal financial service providers are the main sources of credit in rural
areas and usually offer credit to borrowers including beekeepers at a monthly interest
ranging from 2% to 5% depending on whether or not there is collateral.
• Other service providers: include transporters, suppliers of tins for storing honey and
telecommunications service providers amongst others.
Opportunities for honey value chain financing
• Financing the organization of terminals for honey collection (pumping and dispensing
operations) and packaging;
• Financing production of packaging;
• Supporting the production of “breeding stock” bees in Tajikistan;
• Establishing a breeding nursery;
• Financing the suppliers of inputs for beekeeping, including accessories (containers).
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