HONEY MONEY: Beekeeping is creating a buzz around economic transformation efforts
Fort Hare graduate highlights earning potential of rural women in the Eastern Cape.
A Fort Hare graduate has revealed the potential earnings of rural women in the Eastern Cape through beekeeping. Dr Owetu Zamisa, the youngest PhD graduate at the University of Fort Hare’s 2026 autumn graduation, conducted research on the economic benefits of beekeeping. Her study, which surveyed 300 small-scale beekeepers, found that education, cooperative participation, market awareness, and farm inputs are crucial for successful value addition and commercialization.
Zamisa believes that beekeeping offers significant income potential, especially with access to formal markets like supermarkets. She worked with beekeepers in remote Eastern Cape areas and helped them understand market dynamics, enabling them to transform from small producers to recognized businesses. Zamisa hopes to mentor young researchers and encourage students from similar backgrounds to pursue academic and research careers.
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