Economic Growth Kenya Project #32068

Enable 1500 Kenyan Rural Farmers for Agribusiness

by The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust - Kenya

Enable 1500 Kenyan Rural Farmers for Agribusiness

Project Report | Jun 19, 2026
The Woman Changing the Buzz Around Beekeeping

By Paul Ochieng Odalo | Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Joan receiving her beehive

How passion, skills, and determination helped Joan build a thriving livelihood for her family

In many communities around Lake Victoria, beekeeping has traditionally been viewed as a man's occupation. Working with African honeybees requires skill, patience, and confidence, and few women have had opportunities to enter the sector. For Joan, however, those perceptions never defined what was possible.

When a beekeeping field school was introduced in her community, Joan joined with a simple goal: to learn. The practical, hands-on training exposed participants to every stage of the honey value chain, from hive management and inspections to harvesting and processing. While many were hesitant to participate in live honey harvesting, Joan embraced the challenge.

"It is pure passion," Joan says. "And it is how I take care of my family."

What began as curiosity soon became a livelihood. Equipped with new skills and growing confidence, Joan steadily built her expertise and established herself as a respected service provider within her community.

Today, she independently conducts hive inspections, honey harvesting, and honey processing. In addition to selling honey, she earns income by providing services to other beekeepers, creating multiple streams of revenue from the same enterprise.

The impact on her household has been significant. Income from beekeeping helps her provide for her three children, including school fees, books, food, and other household needs.

"I no longer worry about how I will pay school fees or provide for my family," she explains. "My income comes from different stages of the beekeeping process, and that gives me stability."

Beyond the financial benefits, Joan has earned recognition for her skills and professionalism. Community members now seek her expertise, and she has become an example of what is possible when women are given opportunities to develop technical skills and pursue their ambitions.

Her journey is far from over. Looking ahead, Joan hopes to establish a fully equipped honey processing unit that will enable her to expand her business and create even greater value from her work.

"I want to continue growing and one day run my own honey processing facility," she says. "Learning these skills opened my eyes to new possibilities. Today, I am confident about my future."

Joan's apiary site which she manages

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Feb 18, 2026
Planting Hope: Climate-Resilient Livelihoods for 423 Kenyan Families

By Paul Odalo | Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Pamela Tendering her tower garden farm

Across the shores of Lake Victoria in Homa Bay County and the coastal communities of Kilifi County, smallholder farmers are facing the harsh realities of climate change. Unpredictable rains, prolonged droughts, flooding, and soil degradation are threatening both food security and income.

This project is helping vulnerable families respond with practical, sustainable solutions.

During this reporting period, 423 smallholder households, impacting 2,961 family members, participated in hands-on farmer field schools focused on climate-smart agriculture and natural resource management. Through experiential learning and structured mentorship, families are building diversified livelihoods that protect the environment while increasing income.

Key achievements include:

4,590 kitchen garden towers established to improve household nutrition
1,830 grafted fruit trees planted
26,000 forest tree seedlings distributed for reforestation
130 modern beehives installed for honey production
113 goats provided to vulnerable households
120 farmers graduated after successfully adopting improved practices

The impact is already measurable. Among 270 participating households, food security has increased by up to 30 percent, and incomes have improved by up to 80 percent. Over 15 acres of land have been restored, and 100 community Eco Guardians are leading local climate awareness and conservation efforts. The benefits now extend to more than 70,000 people in surrounding communities.

Despite strong progress, demand far exceeds available resources. More families are requesting support, and critical water infrastructure is needed to improve tree survival during drought periods.

Your support enables families to grow food year-round, generate income through honey and livestock, restore forests, and build long-term resilience against climate change. With continued partnership, we can expand this model and reach more vulnerable households before the next climate shock hits.

Together, we are not just planting trees. We are planting stability, dignity, and hope.

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Oct 21, 2025
From Bees to Bravery: Valerie's Journey of Hope and Honey

By Paul Odalo | Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

In a quiet village surrounded by indigenous forest trees and open skies, 24-year-old Valerie stands out as a symbol of determination and hope. When The Mango Tree launched the Our Lives, Our Land Project, she made an unexpected choice of beekeeping.

While many young mothers opted for more familiar ventures, Valerie decided to take a different path. “People told me it was not a woman’s job,” she recalls with a smile. “But I saw bees as an opportunity, not a risk.”

“People told me it was not a woman’s job. But I saw bees as an opportunity, not a risk.” - Valerie, young mother and beekeeper

For many young people, especially women, access to land remains a major barrier to farming. In Valerie’s village, ancestral land is largely controlled by older men, leaving few options for young women to start agricultural ventures. But Valerie’s determination didn’t waver. She joined a group of local beekeepers through the project, attending hands-on training sessions on apiculture, group dynamics, and resource sharing.

Today, she’s part of a vibrant community group of 30 beekeepers managing three joint apiary sites. Her group’s collaboration has made land access and resource use possible for all members.

Valerie beams as she talks about her first honey harvest. “I couldn’t believe it when I sold my first honey jars,” she says proudly. With support from The Mango Tree, she received two hives that marked the start of her journey. From the proceeds of her first harvest, she reinvested in a small poultry project, ensuring her income continues to grow throughout the year.

“I am rich in my mind and focus. The knowledge I’ve gained has expanded my horizon in beekeeping.” - Valerie, on what empowerment means to her

Her story doesn’t end with her own success. Valerie is now mentoring other young women, encouraging them to explore the beekeeping industry and environmental conservation efforts around local forests. She believes that the future of the honey industry is bright, and that women should play a leading role.

“Let more young people, especially young mothers, join in environmental conservation work. The forest offers us a chance to become great beekeepers.” – equips Valarie

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