Atlehang Beekeeping Project Cooperative
| Business Location: | Rural |
| Province | Free State |
| Branch: | Lejweleputswa |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Co-operative |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Beekeeping, Farm Pollination and Raw Unprocessed Honey Sales
Challenges/Needs:
At the time of engagement with SEDFA, the cooperative experienced the following challenges:
• Limited business management skills, particularly in financial management, administration, and marketing
• Poor access to consistent clients and limited market visibility
• Insufficient understanding of the market and pricing dynamics
• Low profitability, threatening long-term sustainability
• Lack of professional product packaging and compliant labelling
• Limited access to funding and formal retail markets
• No product barcoding or readiness for formal market requirements
• Inadequate operational resources and equipment
• Need for mentorship and institutional linkages
These constraints were confirmed during the business diagnosis conducted by SEDFA.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
Upon arrival at SEDFA, the cooperative underwent a business diagnosis conducted by the assigned Business Advisor, Mr. Khauhelo Maruping. The diagnosis identified packaging, labelling, and market readiness as critical constraints to business growth.
Based on the diagnosis, SEDFA implemented the following interventions in line with SEDFA procedures:
• Supported the cooperative with professionally designed packaging, compliant labelling, and barcoding
• Improved the visual appeal and market credibility of the honey products
In addition, SEDFA facilitated referrals and linkages:
• The cooperative was referred to the National Development Agency (NDA) for cooperative funding incentives, with the application process currently in progress
Ongoing coordination with the Department of Agriculture for training and technical capacity-building support.
Based on the diagnosis, SEDFA implemented the following interventions in line with SEDFA procedures:
• Supported the cooperative with professionally designed packaging, compliant labelling, and barcoding
• Improved the visual appeal and market credibility of the honey products
In addition, SEDFA facilitated referrals and linkages:
• The cooperative was referred to the National Development Agency (NDA) for cooperative funding incentives, with the application process currently in progress
Ongoing coordination with the Department of Agriculture for training and technical capacity-building support.
Outcome Details:
The SEDFA intervention yielded measurable and early-stage positive results:
• Turnover increased from R0.00 to R11,490.00, directly attributed to improved packaging and labelling that enhanced product appeal
• The business recorded a net profit of R4,701.00, marking a transition from zero profit to positive earnings
• The cooperative’s products are now professionally packaged, clearly labelled, and barcoded, improving brand credibility and visibility
• Interest has been received from local herbal stores, with discussions around white-labelling opportunities, indicating access to new formal markets
• Product quality perception improved due to compliant packaging and labelling, making the products suitable for exhibitions and formal retail environments
• Turnover increased from R0.00 to R11,490.00, directly attributed to improved packaging and labelling that enhanced product appeal
• The business recorded a net profit of R4,701.00, marking a transition from zero profit to positive earnings
• The cooperative’s products are now professionally packaged, clearly labelled, and barcoded, improving brand credibility and visibility
• Interest has been received from local herbal stores, with discussions around white-labelling opportunities, indicating access to new formal markets
• Product quality perception improved due to compliant packaging and labelling, making the products suitable for exhibitions and formal retail environments
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
“The packaging support we received from SEDFA has made our products look professional and attractive to our target market. This has helped us increase our sales and opened doors to new market opportunities.”
