Call for Applications: Honeybush Small Grant Program in South Africa

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites applications to strengthen the Honeybush value chain through sustainable harvesting and processing initiatives. Grants support training, skills development, equipment provision, quality control, and capacity building for producers, harvesters, and community-based organizations.

Overview

The UNDP Honeybush Value Chain Grant Program aims to enhance sustainability, skills development, and processing capacity across the Honeybush sector. The program targets two main investment areas: Sustainable Harvesting Training and Honeybush Processing Initiatives, providing financial support to eligible organizations to strengthen sector practices and improve productivity.

Investment Area 1: Sustainable Harvesting Training

This area focuses on responsible harvesting practices in the Honeybush sector. Initiatives include refresher training aligned with Sustainable Harvesting Guidelines, continuous capacity building, and improved monitoring of harvesting activities. The program expects at least 25 harvesters to directly benefit from the training and related support.

Eligible Budget:

• Established Non-Profit Organisations: >0 to 1,050,000 South African Rand

• Community-Based and Emerging Non-Profit Organisations: 25,000 to 300,000 South African Rand

Key Activities:

• Refresher training for sustainable harvesting

• Capacity building and mentoring for harvesters

• Improved monitoring and reporting of harvesting practices

Investment Area 2: Honeybush Processing Initiatives

This area supports producers or producer clusters within the Honeybush processing value chain. Projects may include the provision of small-scale processing equipment, training to strengthen processing methods, quality control improvements, compliance with standards, and personal protective equipment (PPE) training.

Eligible Budget:

• Established Non-Profit Organisations: >0 to 1,800,000 South African Rand

• Community-Based and Emerging Non-Profit Organisations: 25,000 to 300,000 South African Rand

Key Activities:

• Strengthening processing practices and quality control

• Training on safe and proper use of PPE

• Supporting small-scale processing infrastructure

Combined Applications

Applicants wishing to address both investment areas must submit an integrated application. The total requested budget for combined initiatives must not exceed 1,900,000 South African Rand.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Emerging organizations with less than three years of operation

• Established Non-Profit Organisations capable of supporting beneficiary cohorts

• Community-Based Organisations implementing their own initiatives with grant support

Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver training, equipment provision, and processing support to benefit Honeybush harvesters and producers effectively.

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Identify Investment Area: Determine whether to apply for Sustainable Harvesting, Honeybush Processing, or both

2. Prepare Proposal: Include project objectives, timeline, budget, target beneficiaries, and expected outcomes

3. Submit Application: Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and submit before the deadline

4. Evaluation: Applications assessed on feasibility, impact on beneficiaries, sustainability, and alignment with Honeybush sector development goals

Why It Matters

• Promotes sustainable harvesting practices and environmental stewardship

• Enhances processing capacity, quality control, and compliance in the Honeybush value chain

• Builds skills and knowledge among harvesters and producers

• Supports community-based and emerging organizations to participate in value chain development

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Exceeding budget limits for one or both investment areas

• Submitting separate applications for both areas instead of an integrated proposal

• Failing to demonstrate capacity to support beneficiaries effectively

• Not aligning training and processing initiatives with Sustainable Harvesting Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Honeybush grant? Emerging organizations, established Non-Profit Organisations, and Community-Based Organisations working with Honeybush harvesters or producers.
2. Can applicants request funding for both investment areas? Yes, but total funding cannot exceed 1,900,000 South African Rand and requires an integrated application.
3. What is the minimum number of beneficiaries for Sustainable Harvesting Training? At least 25 harvesters are expected to benefit directly.
4. What types of equipment are eligible under Honeybush Processing? Small-scale processing equipment and PPE, along with training for safe use.
5. Are newly established organizations eligible? Yes, emerging organizations with less than three years of operation can apply.
6. Can Community-Based Organisations apply independently? Yes, they may implement their own initiatives supported by the grant.
7. How are applications evaluated? Based on feasibility, impact on beneficiaries, alignment with sector guidelines, and sustainability.

Conclusion

The UNDP Honeybush Value Chain Grant Program provides critical support for sustainable harvesting and processing initiatives, enhancing skills, capacity, and compliance across the Honeybush sector. By strengthening both environmental practices and processing infrastructure, the program empowers producers and harvesters while promoting community-based value chain development.