Economic empowerment and environmental conservation in Malawi
In 2024, many youth groups in Malawi ventured into the beekeeping business, This business not only boosts their economic muscle and helps them provide for their desired future and for their families. It also enables them to become good stewards of their forests. The availability of thick forests is key to the success of beekeeping, which means forests will be safeguarded. This way economic empowerment and environmental conservation are integrated.
The beekeeping project
With the beekeeping project, young Malawians earn money, gain knowledge, change their attitude, and work to protect and sustainably utilize natural resources. Forest resources are sustainably managed to contribute to climate-resilient livelihoods. This diverts people away from environmentally detrimental practices such as charcoal burning.
In Zilakoma, for example, 207 young parents from six youth groups ventured into honey production. The project provided them with materials and trained them in beehive making, beekeeping, and management.
A brighter future
By December 2024, these young parents generated MWK 390,000 (€195) after selling thirty litres of honey harvested from nine beehives, which they packaged and branded.
They have a readily available market for their produce. In 2025 they are hoping to harvest honey from all of their 106 beehives. They are projecting a brighter future of earning millions when all of these beehives are colonized, enabling them to provide for their desired future and for their families.