Modernisation of the bee & honey sector of Burundi Goal of the project is to develop the beekeeping and honey sector in Burundi. The joint venture will target new associations of beekeepers not yet involved with the local partner, provide them with modern hives and train them in order to improve the quality and quantity produced. A collection centre will be set up where the honey and other bee products will be processed (beeswax, propolis and royal jelly). The company will start a bee selection programme which will allow improving the honey collection behaviour of indigenous bee. The collection centre will be based in Bujumbura and beekeepers will be involved from several provinces of Northern Burundi.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Partners will offer good salaries and safe working conditions. Not only for the employees of the joint venture but also by introducing protective clothing for the beekeepers.Employees will be trained on environmental issues and partners are strongly committed to do as well as possible in this respect, because they are clearly aware of the relationship between bees and the environment.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsSalaries will be well above living wage. Fringe benefits include health insurance and free lunch. The company will ensure safe working conditions and provide protective clothing.During the harvest season extra drivers will be hired on temporary contracts.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThe project will introduce new production methods in both beekeeping as well as in processing and start collecting other bee products as well, that are not yet commercially traded in Burundi.Innovative production methods include modern hives, professional processing equipment and a bee selection programme which will allow improving the honey collection behaviour of indigenous bee types that are less productive then European bee types.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliersAll honey will be supplied by “outgrowers”. Even after downsizing the project there will be most probably more than 400 beekeepers, who can improve their income. The project will also enhance their knowledge and improve their working conditions with protective clothing.Impact on local customers or consumersThe project will target the local market and will increase the quantity of honey available on the market and improve the quality and shelf life.•	Impact on the sectorA project with the Burundian Bureau of Standards will be started in order to obtain a quality certificate for honey.•	EnvironmentBees are an important element in ecosystems. Respectful and professional beekeeping can play a significant role in nature conservation, this is mentioned in by partners, but not included in specific project results.•	Position of womenNeutral, some women will be hired.•	Impact on food safetyHoney is a food product. Although it is somehow a luxury product it could be more widely consumed in Burundi and is a natural substitute for sugar. To start a company for the collection and processing of 30,000 kg of honey per year and other bee products including beeswax and to improve the production of local beekeepers by means of training, providing modern hives and a bee selection programme.