By Matthias De Beenhouwer | Project Manager
As part of our efforts to restore the Miombo woodlands in Zambia, we are engaging local farmers in beekeeping and honey production. Since May 2017, 121 more beehives were mounted, which means that the total number of beehives across the intervention site rose to 990.
The first honey harvest is expected in December 2018. One beehive will easily be able to produce $20 in revenue per year. With enough space for around 4 beehives per hectare of woodland, each family can earn cca $80 per year per hectare. This represents a substantial increase to their existing income, which averages at $300 per year.
To manage the marketing and commercialization of the agro-forestry products produced by the farmers, WeForest supported the creation of the Luanshya Farm Forest Association. The association has 10 board members, four of whom are women, representing farmers from every area in the district. The first board meetings were held in July and August 2017.
Farmers from each area have also selected one of them to be their beekeeping mentor. In July 2017, mentors received training in beehive assembly and mounting, honey harvest, proper use of protective clothing and general bookkeeping. Now they are supporting their communities in honey production and beehive maintenance, assisting approximately 100 farmers living near them.
In Zambia, finding alternative sources of income is an inherent part of sustainable forest restoration. Thanks to your support, we can continue devising solutions that benefit people, planet and climate!
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