ASILIMENI MASWATI | Ep 20: | Beekeeping with Opulento Farms

In this episode of Asilimeni Maswati, we visit Opulento Farms in Mzilikazi near Siteki, where young farmer Siphesihle Dlamini is building a growing agribusiness through beekeeping. Dlamini shares how his journey into agriculture was inspired by his father and uncle, who introduced him to beekeeping while growing up in the Lubombo region. Today, he is transforming that early exposure into a business that produces honey under the Lowveld Luju brand, while exploring new opportunities in beeswax products. Through programmes such as the Innovative Climate Smart Youth Tunnel Production Training (Women Farmer Foundation 2024), entrepreneurship training by Junior Achievement and UNFPA, and the African Food Changemakers Programme, Dlamini gained the knowledge and confidence to start his farm. After winning E10,000 in start-up capital, he launched Opulento Farms. His exposure to agricultural innovation also took him to Taiwan through the Smarter Agriculture Programme supported by Taiwan ICDF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he learned about modern agricultural technologies shaping the future of farming. In this episode, Dlamini explains: • The basics of how to start beekeeping • How to use trap boxes to attract bees • How bees organise themselves in the hive (queen, workers, guard bees and drones) • How to manage a hive and protect it from pests • The equipment needed such as bee suits, smokers and brushes • How to safely harvest honey from the hive He also explains how bees can travel up to 3 km in search of nectar, why indigenous trees in Lubombo influence honey flavour, and why protecting the natural environment is critical for successful beekeeping. Opulento Farms currently packages honey in several sizes including 357g squeeze bottles, 500g jars, 750g jars and 1kg containers, supplying households, restaurants and customers who prefer natural honeycomb. Beyond honey production, Dlamini is also exploring value addition through beeswax, which can be turned into products such as: • Lip balms • Body lotions • Natural soaps • Aromatherapy candles • Wood polish These products can help farmers generate income even when honey production drops due to climate change or seasonal flowering patterns. Dlamini says his long-term vision is to expand within the beekeeping sector, share knowledge with other farmers, and eventually provide consultancy support to people interested in starting beekeeping. His message to young people is clear: agriculture offers real opportunities if they are willing to learn and start projects at home. “Beekeeping is not only about honey. If farmers understand the full value chain, they can create many products from the hive and build stronger businesses.” Watch the episode to learn how beekeeping works and how farmers can turn a single hive into a profitable agribusiness. 📺 Subscribe to Agribusiness Media for more farming stories and practical agricultural knowledge from across Eswatini. #AsilimeniMaswati #Beekeeping